Free trade talks with Indonesia next month

E-Paper | August 02, 2026

Free trade talks with Indonesia next month

The Newspaper's Staff Reporter Published June 23, 2019

The negotiations for converting PTA to FTA will be held next month between ministries of the two countries. — Reuters/File

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LAHORE: Pakistan and Indonesia are set to hold talks over the conversion of Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) next month, as the respective ministries have started their homework in this regard.

“The negotiations for converting PTA to FTA will be held next month between ministries of the two countries,” Indonesia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Iwan Suyudhieamri said while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Saturday.

Talking about bilateral trade relations between the two states, the envoy invited Pakistani businesspersons to participate in the 34th Trade Expo, being held in Indonesia in October this year.

He said the bilateral trade should be enhanced. “Since Pakistani products have great demand in Indonesia, businessmen should avail this opportunity,” he added.

Meanwhile, LCCI Senior Vice President Khawaja Shahzad Nasir said: “Indonesia is a major trading partner of Pakistan. Among the top importing and exporting destinations of Pakistan, Indonesia comes at 5th and 16th places, respectively.”

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2019

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Akbar

Jun 23, 2019 10:24am

Good going Imran Khan but please don't announce before the deal is signed.

Recommend 0

Zak

Jun 23, 2019 10:39am

Finally a government that is opening and enhancing trade avenues with friendly countries. Pakistan is much liked in Indonesia.

Recommend 0

Just Do It

Jun 23, 2019 01:31pm

We can import palm oil, automobile etc etc but what can we export to Indonesia? Nothing really. Then why is this FTA? South India is so near to Indonesia that they can export Rice including basmati rice,cotton, coal,spices,wheat cheaper than us. Remember Andaman and nicobar island which belongs to India is just 12 nautical miles from Indonesia. All the imported items from Indonesia will flood in the local market and kill our own industries without any doubt. Please cancel this FTA which is harmful for our economy and industries.

Recommend 0

abdullah

Jun 24, 2019 09:03am

@Zak, all the previous govt did it too.nothing that imran is doing any different.with all the mess we are in because of him and ruppee at its weakest with no increase in exports its a shame.Economy is destroyed because of incompetence of pti govt.

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