ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and the Pakistani business community have recommended bestowing Pakistan’s highest civil award on Indonesian Ambassador Adam M. Tugio in recognition of his remarkable efforts in enhancing bilateral economic, trade, political, and diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Ambassador Tugio enthusiastically underlined the substantial potential for boosting economic cooperation between Indonesia and Pakistan. He emphasized the significant role that the business communities in both countries can play in achieving this objective. While addressing a farewell dinner hosted by ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawri in his honor, Tugio pointed out numerous sectors ripe for collaboration, including tourism, trade, technology, energy, and agriculture. He highlighted the longstanding historical and religious bonds that connect the two nations and the shared responsibility to transmit this legacy to future generations.
The Ambassador expressed his fond memories of Pakistan, lauding the country’s unmatched hospitality and natural beauty. Tugio recounted his wonderful experiences during his tenure as the Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan, acknowledging the immense potential of Pakistan’s business community. He expressed optimism about the direct flight route between the two countries, which, once finalized, will establish seamless air connectivity.
Moreover, he anticipated that the free trade agreement between Pakistan and Indonesia would soon become a reality, further boosting bilateral trade. Ambassador Tugio underlined the need for concerted efforts to enhance people-to-people relations between the two countries.
He also noted that Indonesia could serve as a gateway for Pakistan to explore the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, while Pakistan could play a pivotal role in connecting Indonesia to South Asian and Central Asian nations through trade routes.
During the event, the President of ICCI, Ahsan Bakhtawari, emphasized the importance of elevating Pakistan to a full-level dialogue partner with Indonesia. He acknowledged the vital role of the business community in fostering stronger trade relations and highlighted sectors like tourism, information technology, and textiles as crucial areas to boost mutual economic ties.
Bakhtawari expressed the pressing need to further augment the current bilateral trade volume of $4.5 billion, emphasizing the ICCI’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in achieving this goal. He expressed optimism that Ambassador Tugio would continue to enhance Pakistan’s image upon his return to Indonesia, strengthening the diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
The farewell ceremony was attended by several diplomats and business leaders from various countries, including Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, and Nepal, underscoring the significance of fostering international partnerships and economic cooperation.
