Speaking at a meeting at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Wednesday, the Indonesian envoy said total trade between the two countries stood at $1.69 billion in January-September 2014, depicting a year-on-year increase of 60%.
“We are fairly optimistic that the trade figure could reach at least $2.4 billion at the end of the year,” said Santoso.
He emphasised that bilateral economic relations would be strengthened in the years ahead. “Indonesia and Pakistan are gifted with tremendous resources and there is a great potential for cooperation in the trade sector and what we need is to utilise that potential.”
On behalf of the government of Indonesia, Santoso, while conveying their condolences to Pakistan, particularly to families of the victims of Peshawar school attack, said Jakarta condemned the inhuman act, which could not be justified by any reason.
“The Indonesian government is expressing its support and solidarity with the people and government of Pakistan in this difficult situation.”
Earlier, KCCI President Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra said trade relations between the two countries were expanding and Pakistan could further enhance commerce by offering products like wheat, fresh fruits, nuts, readymade garments, finished and semi-finished leather, fish and fish products, cotton fabrics, hides and skins, surgical goods, handicrafts and sports goods.
“The halal food industry also holds the potential of giving a boost to overall trade between the two countries,” he added.
He suggested that Indonesian companies could also explore the possibility of investment in energy and real estate projects in Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 25th, 2014.
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