KARACHI: The Ambassador of Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Raudin Anwar has said that this year, the time has come to capitalize on the progress Indonesia and Pakistan have made in the last five years and for taking the next steps in bringing our improved bilateral trade into reality.
“The target is to reach USD9 billion worth of bilateral trade volume in 2019” he said while speaking at a meeting during the visit of a high level delegation from Indonesia to KCCI.
President KCCI Junaid Esmail Makda, Senior Vice President Khurram Shahzad, Vice President Asif Sheikh Javaid, Chairman of KCCI’s Sub-Committee for Diplomatic Missions & Embassies Liaison Shamoon Zaki and Managing Committee members were also present at the meeting.
Leader of the Indonesian delegation Raudin Anwar, while introducing Mr. Jhony Siburian, Director at the Indonesian Investment Board and other representatives from Adaro Energy, Global Feed and Indonesian Exim Bank, stated that they all are prominent companies with strong footprints in Indonesia and international markets. The business community of Karachi should utilize their presence to not only explore the business prospect of their products to service their companies’ needs, but also the role they could play in creating growth together, he added.
He said, “We have travelled all the way from Jakarta to bring you updates on Indonesia as well as new opportunities in trade and investment for you. Therefore, our delegation takes on board both government officials and business people”
He was of the opinion that Pakistan and Indonesian economies and businesses would be better positioned in today’s highly competitive world if they collaborate. “Our two economies have all the ingredients to prosper together”, said Raudin Anwar.
He further stated that Pakistan is an economy with considerable strength and growth. Many observers from abroad look at Pakistan’s economy and wonder if it is becoming “one of the South Asian tigers”. “For a number of reasons, I think that would be very likely. From that standpoint, we can clearly see of the enormous business opportunities that are present in both economies”, he added.
He requested Karachi Chamber to extend strong support for enhancing trade and investment as this is the only way for progress, for mutual benefits and prosperity.
Indonesian Foreign Ministry representative was fairly optimistic that business community of Karachi will end up working together with Indonesian businesses. He advised KCCI representatives to share business ideas and lead the way. “We at the Ministry are more than happy and ready to help you finding Indonesian business partners to complement your success”, he added.
President KCCI Junaid Esmail Makda, in his welcome speech, said that Karachi, which is the economic hub of Pakistan, offers profitable investment opportunities and added facilities for investment and joint ventures to investors from Indonesia. “With improved law and order situation and upon completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and Gwadar Port, this region is likely to attract substantial amount of foreign investment from different parts of the world whereas Indonesia can also benefit from the situation by investing or undertaking joint ventures in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi”, he added.
As far as relations between the two countries are concerned, he said that Pakistan-Indonesian relations are particularly special, founded on common mutual religious outlook. The bilateral trade between the two countries is heavily in favor of Indonesia. In 2017, Pakistan exported goods worth of $241 Million to Indonesia against $157 Million in the preceding year depicting a surge of 53.6 percent. The increase in exports was mainly attributed to higher exports of citrus fruits, cotton, iron and steel. On the other hand, Pakistan’s imports from Indonesia stood at $2.4 billion in 2017 as compared to $2 billion in 2016, showing an increase of 18.8 percent, he added.
He was of the view that there was a huge potential for further enhancing bilateral trade relations between Indonesia and Pakistan. Pakistani leather manufacturers can explore Indonesian market to import cheaper skins and hides. He said that the two countries can also enhance their bilateral trade by exchanging commodities whereas the Halal Food industry holds great potential for enhancing trade.
He underscored that the Karachi Chamber wants to promote business, mutual understanding and friendly relations between Pakistan and Indonesia. We also want to promote Indonesian investment in Pakistan and do everything for the development of Pakistan-Indonesia business cooperation.
While appreciating Indonesia’s constant participation in My Karachi Exhibition since its inception in 2004, he invited Indonesian business community to participate in 16th My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony Exhibition as well which is scheduled to be organized in the month of April 2019.
Published in Daily Times, November 28th 2018.