AVN Report
KARACHI: The Indonesian Consulate, in partnership with the Policy Advisory and Research Council of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), hosted a session titled “Bilateral Talks: Addressing Challenges and Identifying Solutions to Promote Trade Relations between Pakistan and Indonesia” at a local hotel.
The event aimed to enhance trade ties by tackling current issues and exploring new opportunities was attended by representatives from key sectors such as palm oil, paper, automotive, and food, alongside officials from Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade and the Embassy in Islamabad.
The participants shared their views on the current trade scenario and potential growth areas. Indonesia plays a significant role in Pakistan’s economy, particularly in palm oil, contributing about 90pc of the country’s imports in this sector.
Consul General of Indonesia in Karachi, Dr. June Kuncoro Hadiningrat, thanked the distinguished guests, including Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, Chief Executive of TDAP, Arief Wibisono from Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade, and Mohammad Younus Dagha, Chairman of PRAC.
Dr. Hadiningrat highlighted the bilateral trade growth, which rose from US$2.581 billion in 2020 to US$4.511 billion in 2022, despite global challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic. He mentioned the increasing popularity of Indonesian consumer products in Pakistan, symbolizing the strengthening economic partnership between the two countries.
Mr Motiwala emphasized the importance of strong regulatory frameworks and improved logistical support to facilitate smoother trade flows between the two countries, discussing market dynamics and consumer preferences necessary to reinvigorate trade relations.
The KCCI president underscored the dialogue’s significance, saying that collaborative efforts and mutual understanding are crucial in overcoming current trade challenges and unlocking new opportunities for economic growth.
The session included a detailed analysis of trade trends by Dr. Usmama and a focus group discussion led by Ahmad Syofian, PhD, which identified barriers to trade and proposed actionable solutions.
The event concluded with a commitment from stakeholders to sustain the dialogue and implement the discussed recommendations.
The session served as a platform for promoting stronger business relationships and developing strategies to boost trade between Pakistan and Indonesia.
