HARIPUR: Indonesian Ambassador Adam M Tugio has said northern regions of Pakistan hold great potential in promoting world tourism, vowing to play his role in boosting tourism relations between the two countries.

This he said while talking to reporters in Nathiagali, Abbottabad, on Monday.

Mr Tugio said Indonesia and Pakistan could build on their cordial ties to promote tourism sectors of the two countries. He said it was possible that the two countries could declare some of their tourist places as sister cities in future.

The diplomat said the Indonesian embassy had organised a function in Nathiagali, where Indonesians living in Pakistan were invited to discuss issues related to their travel documents and other problems.

Mr Tugio said at least 25 such families attended the event.

The Indonesian envoy said intermarriages between Pakistani and Indonesian couples were enhancing cultural ties between the two countries.

“The Indonesian diaspora in Pakistan is the voice of their country, helping to strengthen economic, cultural and people-to-people relations,” he said.

Mr Tugio said recently two Indonesian companies had started business ventures in food sector in Faisalabad and Karachi, and more such investments were expected.

He said investors from Indonesia were willing to invest in Pakistan as the current level of trade between the two countries was less than its potential.

He said there was cultural compatibility between Pakistan and Indonesia, which was crucial for strengthening mutual relations. The ambassador said talks on operating direct flights between Pakistan and Indonesia were going on, which would facilitate Indonesian tourists’ visits to scenic places like Nathiagali.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2022