RAWALPINDI: Pakistan and Indonesia are gearing up to expand bilateral economic cooperation by addressing existing trade imbalances and establishing direct business-to-business linkages.
The forthcoming 41st Trade Expo in Indonesia is being considered by both sides as an important opportunity to initiate a booster to the bilateral trade.
Highlighting the imperative for direct private-sector engagement, the Ambassador of Indonesia, Chandra W. Sukotjo, paid an official visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), where he reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to deepening commercial ties with Pakistani traders and businesses community. He informed participants that Indonesia has simplified visa procedures for Pakistani business travelers and was considering visa fee reductions to enhance commercial mobility.
The ambassador formally invited the Pakistani business community to participate in the upcoming 41st Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI), scheduled to take place from October 14 to 18 this year, showcasing core sectors like food and beverages, agricultural products, fashion, industrial goods, and furniture to provide Pakistani exporters a direct gateway to ASEAN markets.
Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Indonesia is currently less than US$ 5.0 billion. While this volume reflected strong commercial exchanges, trade analysts emphasize that the figure remained well below its actual potential.
President RCCI, Usman Shaukat noted significant room available to enhance the current bilateral trade, floating at lower volume between the two nations.
“To bridge this gap from traditional commodity reliance toward high-value, multi-sector economic cooperation, both nations are exploring strategies across agricultural and halal food products, textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals, information technology and renewable energy”, Usman said.
He added that with expanding Pakistani exports of halal-certified meat, fresh fruits, and seafood standing at the forefront of these joint efforts remained vital area of mutual interest.
Pakistan, Indonesia explore new avenues for bilateral trade
Talking to APP, RCCI President, Usman emphasized the strategic importance of the Ambassador’s engagement with the Chamber.
“The primary objective of the Indonesian Ambassador’s visit was to boost the current bilateral trade volume, which currently stands at a relatively modest level,” he said adding that several potential sectors for mutual cooperation were identified during discussions with the ambassador.
“The key areas such as food and beverages, agricultural commodities, fashion, industrial goods, and furniture will be the center stage of the expo”, Usman informed.
He expressed confidence that a substantial delegation of RCCI members would participate in the event.
“We are working closely with Indonesian counterparts to advance cooperation in these sectors and drive trade expansion between both nations”, he said.
