Jakarta — The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Indonesia in Karachi, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), and the International Creatives Exchange (ICE), successfully organized the “Indonesia–Pakistan Economic Networking Forum 2025: Building a Shared Future” on the sidelines of the 40th Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2025.
The Forum brought together hundreds of business leaders, policymakers, and investors from both countries, including 60 Pakistani entrepreneurs, to explore new avenues for cooperation and deepen economic engagement.
Representing the Indonesian government were Mr. Ricky Eka Virgana Ichsan, Director for South and Central Asia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Muhammad Iqbal, Deputy Director of Investment Promotion for East and South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa at the Ministry of Investment/Coordinating Board of Investment. The Indonesian business community was represented by Mr. Harman Siswanto, Vice Chairman of KADIN’s Bilateral Committee for Pakistan and Afghanistan; Mr. Uzair Nizam, President of the Pakistan–Indonesia Business and Cultural Network; Mr. Mohammad Bawazeer, Chairman of Bawazeer Group; and Mr. Ayub Gaba from K2 Industries, Karachi.
In his keynote remarks, H.E. Mr. Chandra W. Sukotjo, Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan, underscored the strength and resilience of bilateral trade. He noted that from January to July 2025, Indonesia’s exports to Pakistan reached USD 2.16 billion, marking a 21.83% increase compared to the same period last year. “Our trade potential remains vast,” the Ambassador stated, urging both sides to expand collaboration into pharmaceuticals, the halal industry, renewable energy, digital economy, and agricultural technology.
Mr. Bernardino M. Vega, Vice Chairman of KADIN, encouraged both countries to move beyond conventional trade metrics by fostering creative collaboration and people-to-people linkages. “The world and business models are changing. Indonesia and Pakistan — as two of the world’s largest Muslim-majority nations — have immense potential rooted in creativity, innovation, and shared values,” he said, emphasizing the growing role of influencers and creative industries as bridges of collaboration.
Representing Pakistan, Mr. Naseem Rashed, Trade and Investment Attaché at the Embassy of Pakistan in Jakarta, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting direct business-to-business (B2B) engagement. “As two major Muslim nations with a longstanding friendship, our economic ties must reflect our shared potential. The Embassy of Pakistan in Jakarta remains committed to expanding trade, investment, and cultural cooperation,” he remarked.
The Forum featured two thematic panel discussions, where participants from both nations explored opportunities for market access, investment partnerships, and joint ventures. Discussions also focused on the progress of the Indonesia–Pakistan Trade in Goods Agreement (IP-TIGA), aimed at broadening trade coverage and reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers.
The Ministry of Investment of Indonesia highlighted that Pakistan ranks third among South Asian investors in Indonesia, with investments totaling USD 36.6 million over the past five years. Future cooperation was emphasized in renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and halal products.
As part of the celebration of the anniversary of Indonesia–Pakistan bilateral relations, two books were launched:
- “75 Years of Indonesia–Pakistan Bilateral Relations: Two Friends, One Spirit” by Mr. Atta Ul Karim
- “Islamabad to Jakarta: A Personal Reflection” by Mr. Shams Abbasi
Additionally, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between Indonesian and Pakistani business entities, including one between International Creatives Exchange (ICE) and the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and another between Harmann Pharmaceutical (Pakistan) and PT. Ultra Sakti (Indonesia).
The Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI), Indonesia’s largest annual international trade exhibition, serves as a premier platform showcasing the country’s export excellence across manufacturing, agriculture, digital economy, and creative industries. TEI continues to position Indonesia as a reliable and competitive trade and investment partner, connecting global buyers with leading Indonesian exporters.
BY: The Times Union
