Pakistan and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to create a more sustainable and investment-driven economic partnership at the Indonesia-Pakistan Investment and Business Forum held in Karachi on Tuesday.
The forum – organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Karachi, with support from the Indonesia Investment Promotion Center (IIPC) 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 Indonesia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Lt Gen (retd) Chandra W Sukotjo, Consul General Karachi Mudzakir, FPCCI Acting President and Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who attended as the chief guest.
In his welcoming remarks, Consul General Mudzakir described the forum as part of Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to connect the business community 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, reaffirming the Consulate General’s role as a facilitator of business information, credible partnerships and market access.
The FPCCI Acting President highlighted the complementary strengths of both economies and the enormous potential of a combined market of more than 520 million people.
Magoon called for more diversified trade, stronger business-to-business cooperation, improved logistics and continued progress toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Ambassador Sukotjo, in his keynote address, urged both nations to transform their longstanding friendship into tangible economic results.
He described Indonesia not only as a large market with over 280 million people, but also as a manufacturing hub, investment destination and gateway to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
He stressed that a future CEPA should provide a comprehensive framework covering trade, investment, services, standards, customs procedures and supply chain links.
The Sindh Chief Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the provincial government to attract international investment.
CM Murad also highlighted opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, healthcare, infrastructure, logistics, digital technology and data centers.
The Sind CM encouraged 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 joint commitment of both countries to deepen practical economic cooperation.
During the business dialogue, Indonesian speakers presented opportunities in investment, trade and cooperation in the private sector. The forum concluded with business networks and discussions with the aim of turning dialogue into concrete partnerships.
It reaffirmed the joint commitment of Indonesia and Pakistan to move beyond traditional trade towards long-term investment, value creation and sustainable economic growth.
