Indonesia keen to expand trade ties with Pakistan: Anwar

15 Jul, 2004

Anwar Santaso, Ambassador of Republic of Indonesia has said that Indonesia has a desire to expand its trade relations in all fields with Pakistan.
He was talking to President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hussain Ahmed Ozgen during his visit to the Chamber. Besides, Economic Councillor Yuyun Kamhayun and vice president RCCI Fazal-ur-Rehman, Mian Ayaz Karim, Nabi Nowsherwan Erkin and others were also present during the meeting.
The envoy hailed the economic reforms introduced by the government of Pakistan and said his country wants to enhance trade, cultural and economic relations with Pakistan.
He termed the investment and joint ventures climate conducive and said that it was a high time for both the sides to make their co-operation strong. He hailed the Pakistan's inclusion in Asian Regional forum and said this will open new vistas of economic co-operation with Asean member countries particularly with Indonesia.
He also invited RCCI president and other member to participate in business seminar from 9 to 10 September this year and Indonesian Solo Exhibition in Sharjah from September 13 to 17 beside 19th National Merchandise & Commodity Show to be held in Jakarta for October 13 to 17 this year.
President RCCI Hussain Ahmed Ozgen on this occasion said, the investment climate in Pakistan is quit beneficial for foreign investors.
He said both Pakistan and Indonesia are dealing with issues include which alleviating widespread poverty, preventing terrorism, reforms of the banking sector, corruption and other challenges of globalisation.
Therefore, he said it is high time for both the sides to provide a structure for strong trade relations in future.
Pakistan export raw cotton, cotton yarn, cotton fabrics, rice, vegetables and fruits, petroleum crude, cotton American, textile yarn and fabrics, leather & leather manufactures to Indonesia where as it imports tea, betel nuts, tyres, iron & steel, dyeing and tanning materials, pharmaceutical products, paper, paperboard and articles, organic chemicals, viscose fiber (Rayon fiber) and others.
He noted that in the year 2002-2003 our export tune of $73.3 million while our imports touched the figure of $257.3 million, he urged on making concrete efforts be made to bridge the immense gap in the existing volume of trade between the two brotherly countries.
He suggested that to boost the trade volume display centres be established in both the countries, and trade delegation be formed. He thanked the ambassador for inviting RCCI in upcoming exhibition and said the delegation from chamber would defiantly attend that event.

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