KARACHI, Jan 30: Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Haroon Faruki has called for early signing of the free trade agreement between Pakistan and Indonesia.

The brotherly relations between the two countries were very old and strong, but trade relation did not show the same, as the volume of trade continued to be thin and greatly in favour of Indonesia, he said while talking to Ambassador of Indonesia Anwar Santoso who called on him here on Monday.

Hikmat Moeljama, acting consul general, Djoko Sulastomo, vice-consul of Indonesia, along with other officials also accompanied the Indonesian ambassador.

Mr Faruki pointed out that ways and means were needed to be explored to increase mutual cooperation through frequent exchange of trade delegations and joint ventures in various fields like engineering, textile, construction and others, says a press release of the KCCI.

He also suggested that an interactive study might be carried out to boost business opportunities and extended full cooperation of the chamber in this regard.

He informed the ambassador that the KCCI would hold the third ‘My Karachi’ exhibition in the middle of July 2006 and hoped that there would be an increased participation of Indonesian entrepreneurs this year.

The ambassador assured his personal interest and cooperation in this regard.

Mr Santoso urged Pakistani businessmen to make more efforts in diversifying exports to Indonesia. He added that Pakistani products like fruits and other agricultural products and textile made-ups could penetrate and compete in the Indonesian market.

The Indonesian ambassador said that the visa process had been further streamlined and made efficient and the Indonesian consulate would always give preference to visa applicants recommended by the KCCI.