KARACHI: Pakistan and Indonesia are looking to open a new chapter in economic ties, with both sides pushing for greater investment, stronger trade links, and closer business cooperation at a forum in Karachi.
The Indonesia-Pakistan Investment and Business Forum brought together government officials, investment authorities, business leaders, investors, and academics from both countries to explore new avenues for economic partnership.
The forum was organised by the Embassy of Indonesia in Islamabad and the Consulate General of Indonesia in Karachi, with support from the Indonesia Investment Promotion Centre (IIPC) Abu Dhabi.
The opening session was attended by Indonesia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Lt Gen (retd) Chandra W Sukotjo, Consul General Mudzakir, FPCCI Acting President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who participated as the chief guest.
Consul General Mudzakir said the forum reflected Indonesia’s continued efforts to connect the business communities of both countries and transform commercial interest into practical cooperation.
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He highlighted Karachi’s role as Pakistan’s commercial, industrial, financial, and maritime centre, adding that the consulate would continue facilitating business information, reliable partnerships, and market access.
FPCCI Acting President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon highlighted the complementary strengths of Pakistan and Indonesia, noting the potential of a combined market of more than 520 million people.
He called for expanding trade cooperation, strengthening business-to-business partnerships, improving logistics connectivity, and making progress toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
In his keynote address, Ambassador Chandra W Sukotjo urged both countries to transform their long-standing friendship into meaningful economic results.
He described Indonesia as a major market of over 280 million people, a manufacturing hub, an investment destination, and a gateway to the ASEAN region.
The ambassador said a future CEPA should provide a comprehensive framework covering trade, investment, services, standards, customs procedures, and supply-chain connectivity.
Sindh Highlights Investment Potential
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to attracting international investment and expanding economic cooperation.
He highlighted opportunities for Indonesian investors in sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, healthcare, infrastructure, logistics, digital technology, and data centres.
The chief minister invited Indonesian businesses to explore partnerships in Sindh and encouraged stronger cooperation between government institutions and the private sector.
The forum featured the “Resonance of Partnership” gong ceremony, symbolising the shared commitment of both nations to deepen practical economic cooperation.
During the business dialogue, Indonesian representatives presented investment opportunities and discussed areas for private-sector collaboration.
The event concluded with business networking sessions focused on converting discussions into concrete partnerships and advancing long-term, sustainable economic growth between Pakistan and Indonesia.
