Pakistan and Indonesia have strengthened their economic ties with new trade agreements worth $10.7 million, formalized at the Trade Expo Indonesia. Hosted by the Consulate General of Indonesia in Karachi, a business dinner celebrated the presence of around 25 businesses and dignitaries from both nations, including leaders like Abid Nisar, Chairman of the Pakistan-Indonesia Business Council (PIBC), and Shamoon Zaki, President of the Pakistan-Indonesia Business Forum (PIBF).
The agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were sealed after a series of business matchmaking events at the Indonesia-South and Central Asia Business Forum (INASCA) and the Trade Expo.
The deals span across multiple sectors, including commodities like copra, gum copal, cocoa, desiccated coconut, ginger, and spices. In addition, partnerships were formed in fast-moving consumer goods and auto parts. Teguh Wiweko, Acting Consul General of Indonesia, praised the collaboration and expressed optimism about the future of trade between the two nations. He said, “The deals cover various sectors of trade cooperation… a step toward deepening economic and trade ties, especially with business communities in Sindh Province.” Abid Nisar reflected on the strong historical and cultural bond between Pakistan and Indonesia, which has grown into a mutually beneficial partnership. “The bond between our two nations is rooted in history and culture,” he noted, highlighting the impact of trade on both countries’ prosperity. Ahmad Syofian, Ph.D., Consul for Economic Affairs, emphasized the broad collaboration behind the deals, which involved private companies, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and government agencies. This diverse engagement, he said, reflects the growing synergy between Indonesia and Pakistan.
The evening also saw an award ceremony, where Naveed Gilani, Country Head of Apical Pakistan, was honored for his dedication to promoting Indonesian palm oil in Pakistan. Presented by the Acting Consul General, the award recognized Gilani’s efforts as the largest importer of Indonesian crude palm oil into the Pakistani market.
Throughout 2024, the Consulate General of Indonesia has played a key role in fostering trade ties, facilitating visits from business leaders, including members of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries. These engagements are helping to drive stronger commercial partnerships between the two nations.
