‘Need to raise awareness about trade opportunities’

Indonesia wants to expand bilateral ties with Pakistan, urges cooperation

KARACHI: There is need to raise more awareness about trade opportunities to establish a long-term partnership between the corporate sectors of Pakistan and Indonesia, said Indonesian Consul General in Karachi Hadi Santoso.

During his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Santoso hoped that close, two-way interaction and frequent visits by the businessmen of the two countries would strengthen the cooperative trade relations and create new linkages between business communities.

“Since assuming charge as consul general, it has been my desire to further accelerate and expand the rapidly growing diplomatic and economic ties of the two countries, particularly in Sindh, with the support and cooperation of all business associations, including the KCCI,” he said.

“Indonesia and Pakistan are gifted with tremendous resources and there is great potential for cooperation in the trade sector. We need to utilise that potential to the maximum extent,” he added.

He said Pakistan and Indonesia were enjoying strong bilateral relations with trade volumes that jumped from around $1.6 billion in 2013 to $2.2 billion in 2014.

“Bilateral economic relations of two countries will be further strengthened in the years ahead since Indonesia is the largest economy in the South east Asian region and a member of the G-20; it is expected to become the hub of future economic activities in the region,” he added.

KCCI President Younus Muhammad Bashir appreciated Indonesia’s intention to explore new avenues of cooperation in Pakistan and advised Pakistani leather manufacturers to explore Indonesian market for importing cheaper skins and hides.

He was of the view that the two countries could enhance their trade by exporting products like maize, wheat, fresh fruits, nuts, ready-made garments, fish and fish products, cotton fabrics, surgical goods, handicrafts, sports goods, and medical instruments from Pakistan to Indonesia. Halal food industry also holds good potential of enhancing trade between the countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16^th, 2016.

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