Dr. Syed Mehboob
Political and Economic Analyst
http//:www.thenewslark.com
drmehboob.thenewslark@gmail.com
Indonesia has made significant progress since its independence in 1945 and is expected to continue its journey towards a peaceful, prosperous, welfare country. It will complete one hundred years of its independence in 2045, and till than it is expected to be the world’s 4th largest economy by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and 8th largest economy by Nominal. It is also expected that it will become a high-income economy and will come out of the middle-income trap by 2038. It wants to be a resilient, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable powerhouse, and to become an inspirational lighthouse from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations( ASEAN). “ Bhinneke Tuggal Ika “ and“ Gotong Royong “ philosophyemphasize the spirit of working together, unity, integrity, and sharing resources and benefits.
Pakistan and Indonesia are two brother countries sharing so many commonalities in religion, social and family values, desire for peace and development, and both countries’ leadership have a keen desire to translate these historical, brotherly and friendly relations into strong economic ties.
Indonesian Consulate under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency H.E Mr. Zakir, with the help and support of the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad, Indonesian Ambassador His Excellency Let Gen (Rtd) Chandra W. Sukotjo Honourable Ambassador of Indonesia in Islamabad, has taken a very important initiative and organized a very comprehensive, valued and informative “ Pakistan Indonesia Business and Investment conference with a title “ Advanced Indonesia Pakistan Economic Partnership: Investment, Trade and Business Opportunities for Shared Growth towards CEPA”.
In this highly important conference, business and political leaders of both countries pledged their commitment that they will strive to translate both countries’ historical brotherly relations into strong, durable, and meaningful economic ties. Indonesia and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening a more balanced, sustainable, and investment-driven economic partnership.
This august gathering and unique programme was organized with the support of the Indonesia Investment Promotion Centre (IIPC) Abu Dhabi. The Forum brought together government officials, investment authorities, chambers of commerce, business leaders, investors and academics from both countries.The opening session featured remarks by H.E. Mr. Mudzakir, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Karachi; Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Acting President and Senior Vice President of FPCCI; H.E. Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Chandra W. Sukotjo, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Pakistan; and the Honourable Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh, 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 commercial interest into practical cooperation. He highlighted Karachi’s strategic position as Pakistan’s commercial, industrial, financial and maritime centre, and reaffirmed the Consulate General’s role as a facilitator of business information, credible partnerships and market access.
Representing Pakistan’s private sector, Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon highlighted the complementary strengths of both economies and the vast potential of a combined market of more than 520 million people. He called for more diversified trade, stronger business-to-business collaboration, improved logistics, and continued progress toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Ambassador Chandra W. Sukotjo, in his keynote address, underscored that Indonesia and Pakistan should transform their longstanding friendship into tangible economic results. He described Indonesia not only as a major market of over 280 million people but also as a manufacturing hub, investment destination, and gateway to ASEAN. He stressed that a future CEPA should provide a comprehensive framework covering trade, investment, services, standards, customs procedures, and supply-chain connectivity.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, as chief guest, reaffirmed Sindh’s commitment to attracting international investment and highlighted opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, healthcare, infrastructure, logistics, digital technology, and data centers. He encouraged Indonesian businesses to explore partnerships in Sindh and welcomed closer cooperation between governments and the private sector.
The opening ceremony 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 private-sector collaboration. Mr. Nova Herlangga Masrie, Director of IIPC Abu Dhabi, presented Indonesia’s investment potential in manufacturing, healthcare, renewable energy, food security, downstream industries, and the digital economy. Mr. Bayu Wicaksono Putro, Director of Export and Import Facilitation at Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade, highlighted the importance of trade diversification, improved market access, and closer cooperation toward a future CEPA.
Representing KADIN Indonesia, Mr. Mufti Hamka Hasan described Indonesia and Pakistan as natural strategic partners with complementary economies. He identified food and agribusiness, halal industries, pharmaceuticals, livestock, and the digital economy as promising sectors for future collaboration while encouraging stronger business matching, regulatory cooperation, SME partnerships, and improved logistics.The Forum concluded with business networking and discussions aimed at translating dialogue into concrete partnerships. The Indonesian Embassy and Consulate General will continue working closely with Pakistani partners, including FPCCI, KCCI, SIFC, the Board of Investment, and KADIN Indonesia, to facilitate follow-up cooperation and expand two-way trade and investment.
The Forum reaffirmed the shared commitment of Indonesia and Pakistan to move beyond traditional trade toward long-term investment, value creation, and sustainable economic growth.
Talking to the media after participating in the Indonesian-Pakistan Investment & Business Forum, the CM said Sindh offered immense opportunities for foreign investors across infrastructure, logistics, renewable energy, information technology, manufacturing and agribusiness sectors.
He expressed confidence that the forum would pave the way for stronger economic cooperation and tangible business partnerships between Pakistan and Indonesia.He thanked Indonesian Consul General Mudzakir and the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) for organizing the event and bringing together business leaders from both countries.
He said Pakistan and Indonesia enjoyed a historic relationship based on mutual respect, shared values and longstanding cooperation, adding that stronger economic engagement could further deepen bilateral ties.CM Murad described Sindh as the economic engine of Pakistan, noting that Karachi remained the country’s financial and commercial hub with world-class ports, industrial zones, financial institutions and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.Highlighting Sindh’s investment agenda, he said the provincial government was working on the development of a new deep-sea port at Keti Bandar that would create significant opportunities in trade, logistics and maritime commerce.
He announced plans to develop advanced data centres equipped with AI capabilities, supported by affordable and sustainable energy solutions. He pointed out that Sindh offered attractive prospects in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, as well as agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, information technology and value-added industries.
Referring to discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Pakistan and Indonesia, the chief minister said such an agreement could significantly boost bilateral trade, encourage investment flows and reduce barriers to economic cooperation.( Continued )
