ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan Adam M. Tugio on Saturday said that Pakistan could not only benefit from the Indonesian market but could also develop its strong economic relations with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) through Jakarta.

Addressing the Pakistan-Indonesia Joint Business Form (JBF), organised by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Mr Tugio said that his country was a gateway to the ASEAN region and Pakistan should tap it for trade and exports by developing close cooperation with Indonesia.

He said that China was enjoying a bilateral trade of around $600bn with ASEAN, but Pakistan-ASEAN trade was less than 1pc, which should be increased to achieve better results.

He stressed on promoting cooperation among women entrepreneurs of Pakistan, Indonesia and ASEAN region that would boost trade among these countries.

He said that his embassy was planning to organise a dialogue on the economy involving B2B and G2G meetings between the two countries besides holding an exhibition of the products of both countries to highlight their potential for bilateral trade.

The two sides identified many areas including real estate, construction, mines and minerals, textiles, information technology, e-commerce, infrastructure development, tourism, women entrepreneurship, youth development and spices that offered great potential for mutual cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia.

Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2022