Islamabad, Sep 11: Charge d’Affaires of the Indonesian Embassy, Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma, stated on Wednesday that Indonesia is prepared to negotiate a free trade agreement (FTA) with Pakistan, which will encourage the liberalization of bilateral trade and increase the volume of business.
The business community and chambers of commerce from both countries must engage in and promote bilateral economic and trade integration in order to close the trade gap between Indonesia and Pakistan, he added. They also need to emphasize the regular exchange of business delegations and market awareness by the chambers on both sides.
He visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and met with its President, ICCI Ahsan Zafar, highlighting the long history of friendship and collaboration between Indonesia and Pakistan. Kusuma emphasized the significance of striving towards a free trade agreement and making use of the current Indonesia-Pakistan preferential trade agreement.
The Charge d’Affaires invited members to the 39th Trade Expo Indonesia, which takes place from October 9–12, and commended ICCI for its efforts in promoting commercial ties between the two countries. In order to promote better knowledge and understanding between the two countries and to expand commercial and tourism opportunities, he underlined the necessity for more collaborative events.
In order to improve business-to-business ties between the two countries, Rahmat Hindiarta urged Pakistani entrepreneurs to investigate Indonesia’s possibilities for foreign investment and commerce.In addition, he emphasized Indonesia’s advantageous position and forged economic relations with the ASEAN area, providing Pakistani companies with access to a market of over 650 million ASEAN customers.
The ambassador pointed out that with careful planning, Pakistan can develop into Indonesia’s trading hub in Central Asia, which would be advantageous to both nations.Ready to discuss a free trade agreement (FTA) with Pakistan in order to advance trade liberalization: Salutations to Rahmat Hindiarta
Pakistan is Indonesia’s sixth-largest trading partner in Asia, according to ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, and their relationship is built on mutual trust and confidence. He emphasized the need of frequent meetings between trade delegations and reiterated ICCI’s dedication to enhancing its partnership with the Indonesian Embassy.
In order to overcome trade barriers, Bakhtawari pointed out that cooperation and understanding are essential. Cooperation can also lead to the creation of new opportunities and an increase in economic success. The speaker underscored the significance of growing the volume of bilateral commerce, which is presently inadequate, and emphasized the part played by Central Asian markets in fostering further commercial links.
In order to improve bilateral economic and investment ties between the two nations, he further emphasized the necessity of direct flights between them. After a detailed discussion of the prosperous areas in both nations, the meeting ended with a resolve to collaborate in order to enhance relations between Pakistan and Indonesia.
Secretary General of the United Business Group Zafar Bakhtawari discussed the strategic locations of Pakistan and Indonesia, which are at the crossroads of Asia and the center of Southeast Asia, as well as the similarities between the two nations that have contributed to their close affinity.
In order to fortify the already-existing bilateral ties between Pakistan and Indonesia, Maqsood Tabish, Shaikh Mohammad Ejaz, Malik Shabbir, Nasira Ali (Nena), Rabia Raheel, Nageena Khaleeque, and Shahida Jan also gave their insightful contributions.
