Pakistan and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to forging a more sustainable and investment-driven economic partnership at the Indonesia-Pakistan Business and Investment Forum held in Karachi on Tuesday.
The forum, organized by the Indonesian embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Karachi, with the support of the Indonesia Investment Promotion Center (IIPC) in Abu Dhabi, brought together government officials, investment authorities, chambers of commerce, business leaders, investors and academics from both countries.
The opening session featured remarks by Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan Lieutenant General (Retd) Chandra W Sukotjo, Consul General in Karachi Mudzakir, FPCCI Acting President and Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah who attended as chief guest.
In his welcoming remarks, Consul General Mudzakir described the forum as part of Indonesia’s sustained efforts to connect the business communities of both countries and translate business interest into practical cooperation.
He highlighted Karachi’s strategic position as Pakistan’s commercial, industrial, financial and maritime hub and reaffirmed the role of the consulate general as a facilitator of business information, credible partnerships and market access.
The FPCCI acting president highlighted the complementary strengths of both economies and the vast potential of a combined market of more than 520 million people.
Magoon called for more diversified trade, stronger collaboration between companies, better logistics and continued progress towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Ambassador Sukotjo, in his opening remarks, urged both nations to transform their long-standing friendship into tangible economic results.
He described Indonesia not only as a major market of more than 280 million people, but also as a manufacturing hub, investment destination and gateway to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
He emphasized that a future CEPA should provide a comprehensive framework covering trade, investment, services, standards, customs procedures and supply chain connectivity.
The Sindh Chief Minister reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to attracting international investments.
CM Murad also highlighted opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, healthcare, infrastructure, logistics, digital technology and data centres.
The Sindh CM urged Indonesian companies to explore partnerships in Sindh and welcomed closer cooperation between governments and the private sector.
The opening ceremony of the forum featured the “Resonance of Partnership” gong ceremony, symbolizing the shared commitment of both countries to deepen practical economic cooperation.
During the business dialogue, Indonesian speakers showcased opportunities in investment, trade and collaboration with the private sector. The forum concluded with business networking and discussions aimed at translating the dialogue into concrete partnerships.
He reaffirmed Indonesia and Pakistan’s shared commitment to moving beyond traditional trade towards long-term investment, value creation and sustainable economic growth.
