Exploring Key Sectors of Cooperation between Indonesia and Pakistan
In a recent meeting at the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Tower in Jakarta, the Chairman of Kadin, Anindya Novyan Bakrie, welcomed the visit of Ambassador Ameer Khurram Rathore from Pakistan on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
During the meeting, critical areas of collaboration between Indonesia and Pakistan were highlighted, focusing on food security, energy security, healthcare, and defense. Anin, as Anindya Novyan Bakrie is fondly known, emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in these sectors, given Pakistan’s significant strengths in defense, health, agriculture, and energy as a large Muslim country.
Enhancing Bilateral Trade Relations
Anin expressed optimism about enhancing ties between Indonesia and Pakistan through upcoming initiatives such as trade missions and expos in August. He underscored the significance of leveraging partnerships not only with the Pakistani Embassy but also with Kadin’s partners in Pakistan to boost trade activities further.
According to Anin, both Indonesia and Pakistan, as developing nations, have immense potential to not only enhance their respective economies but also expand trade relations. He highlighted the importance of seeking new market access beyond traditional partners like China and the United States, with Pakistan being a key focus for Indonesia’s market expansion efforts, catering to not only major players but also medium-sized enterprises and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Building Stronger Business Ties
Similarly, Ambassador Ameer Khurram Rathore emphasized the deep-rooted friendship between Indonesia and Pakistan, driven by shared religious and cultural affinities, facilitating smoother business and trade relationships. He acknowledged the mutual interests in sectors outlined by Chairman Kadin and expressed confidence in fostering stronger trade relations under Anin’s leadership.
Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) for the period of January to November 2024, Indonesia’s trade with Pakistan showed a surplus, with exports valued at $3.04 billion USD and imports reaching $529 million USD.
As both countries continue to explore avenues for collaboration and economic growth, the meeting between Kadin Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie and Ambassador Ameer Khurram Rathore serves as a pivotal step towards strengthening bilateral ties and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships across key sectors.
