ISLAMABAD:
While the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) continues to play havoc with human lives and global economies, efforts to control the damage or minimise the devastating socio-economic impacts of the pandemic are also in full swing. To fight the financial downturn, friendly nations through consultations are identifying ways for cooperation for the enhanced sustainable economic activities between them.
These views were expressed by Indonesian Ambassador Iwan Amri during a webinar on Wednesday.
Ambassador Amri said that both Pakistan and Indonesia enjoy excellent relations and the bilateral relations are constantly on the move.
The ambassador said that his embassy had also organized a virtual meeting with the Pakistan Business Council (PBC), which represents the country’s leading corporate and business groups. Amri said that he had highlighted to the PBC issues in bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries. He stressed on fostering sustainable bilateral trade relations.
“Indonesia and Pakistan must work together for the sustainable trade relations between them,” the envoy observed.
He believed that the concerted communication and consultations with various stakeholders in Pakistan will certainly build greater confidence and improve the environment for both countries to uplift business, economic and other aspects of bilateral ties.
“We would like to encourage and elevate bilateral trade and overall economic cooperation between the two countries that was sustainable, equitable and mutually beneficial corresponding to their respective supply and demand potential,” he remarked.
On restoring air links, the ambassador said they do not have any aviation contract with PIA. However, Indonesia’s Lion Air wants to fly to Pakistan and negations with the aviation officials are already underway.
Lion Air wants to start from three cities of Pakistan. The plan is still on the table. Let us hope that negotiations between the Lion Air officials and Pakistani aviation officials make some early headway, he said.
Repatriation of citizens
With the pandemic stranding citizens in host countries, Ambassador Amri said they are tracking and collecting data about Indonesian citizens in different regions of Pakistan for their repatriation.
The embassy has adapted to the evolving situation and established intensive coordination with Pakistani authorities, management of Tabligh Markazin Raiwind and Islamabad, International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) management and students, Markaz Jamat Tabligh in Indonesia, and other Pakistani friends. As a result, over 180 Indonesians were repatriated.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 9th, 2020.
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