ISLAMABAD: Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma, chargé d’affaires of the Indonesian Embassy, said on Wednesday that Indonesia is ready to negotiate a free trade agreement (FTA) with Pakistan to promote bilateral trade liberalization and increase trade volume. In order to narrow the trade gap between Indonesia and Pakistan, the business community and chambers of commerce on both sides must engage and promote bilateral economic and trade integration, as well as emphasis on exchange of trade delegations and market awareness by chambers on both sides. do regularly, he said. He highlighted the rich history of friendship and cooperation between Indonesia and Pakistan during a visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and a meeting with its ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari. Kusuma stressed the importance of utilizing the existing Indonesia-Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement and working towards a free trade agreement. The Charge d’Affaires recognized ICCI’s contributions to promoting economic ties between the two nations and invited members to attend the 39th Trade Expo Indonesia from October 9 to 12. He further emphasized the need for more joint events to promote greater awareness and understanding between the two nations, which will lead to better business and tourism opportunities. Rahmat Hindiarta urged Pakistani businessmen to explore Indonesia’s potential for international trade and investment and stressed the need to strengthen business-to-business relations between the two nations. He also highlighted Indonesia’s strategic location and established trade ties with the ASEAN region, which offer Pakistani businesses access to a market of more than 650 million ASEAN consumers. The diplomat noted that Pakistan can become a trade hub for Indonesia in Central Asia, benefiting both countries through comprehensive planning. ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari highlighted Pakistan’s status as Indonesia’s 6th largest trading partner in Asia with relations based on mutual trust and confidence. He emphasized the need for regular trade delegation exchanges and reaffirmed ICCI’s commitment to strengthen cooperation with the Indonesian Embassy. Bakhtawari noted that joint efforts and mutual understanding are the key to overcoming business challenges and that cooperation can open up new opportunities and increase economic prosperity. He emphasized the importance of increasing the volume of bilateral trade, which is currently below its potential, and highlighted the role of Central Asian markets in further increasing trade relations. He also emphasized the need for direct flights between the two countries to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations between the two countries. The meeting ended with a decision to work together to strengthen Pakistan-Indonesia relations after a thorough discussion on successful industries in both countries. Secretary General of United Business Group Zafar Bakhtawari spoke about the similarities between the two countries that helped strengthen the strong bond between the two countries as well as the strategic locations; Pakistan is at the crossroads of Asia, while Indonesia is the heart of Southeast Asia. Maqsood Tabish, Shaikh Mohammad Ejaz, Malik Shabbir, Nasira Ali (Nena), Rabia Raheel, Nageena Khaleeque and Shahida Jan also contributed their valuable insights to further strengthen the existing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Indonesia.
