ISLAMABAD, Wednesday, July 9, 2025 (WNP): Indonesian Chargé d’Affaires Rahmat Hindiarta Kasuma on Wednesday said Pakistan and Indonesia hold vast untapped potential for enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation, underscoring the need to strengthen economic diplomacy and people-to-people ties.

Speaking at the ‘Pre-CEO Summit Corporate Dinner’ in the federal capital, alongside CEO Club Pakistan President and Founder Ijaz Nisar, the Indonesian envoy praised Pakistan’s vibrant culture, talented youth, hospitable society, and natural beauty. “My conclusion is that Pakistan has immense potential – its people, landscapes, hospitality, and culinary richness are truly remarkable,” he remarked.

Kasuma emphasized that economic diplomacy goes beyond mere trade and investment discussions, and must also promote Pakistan’s positive image globally. He lauded the CEO Club for its efforts in building optimism and showcasing Pakistan’s business potential, calling the partnership between the Indonesian Embassy and the Club “strong and strategic.”

Highlighting Indonesia’s “Look East” vision, Kasuma said greater engagement with Pakistan and ASEAN economies remains a key priority.

“During my tenure in Pakistan, my team and I set ambitious targets for economic relations and people-to-people connectivity. We’ve expanded our outreach across Pakistani cities – from Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi to Peshawar, Quetta, Skardu, and Hunza,” he noted.

Acknowledging the challenges in marketing products between the two countries, Kasuma referred to the historical camaraderie between President Sukarno and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, recalling their shared values and mutual support during the 1960s as a foundation for today’s cooperation.

On the trade front, he shared that Pakistan ranked 9th in terms of delegation size at the 2024 Trade Expo Indonesia, marking a milestone in bilateral economic engagement. The event led to reciprocal visits between business communities of both countries in Jakarta and Lahore.

According to Kasuma, bilateral trade surged to $4 billion in 2024, up from $3.36 billion in 2023, with Pakistani exports also rising from $3 million to $5 million. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s investment in Indonesia reached $10.09 million in the first quarter of 2025, an increase from $9.5 million in 2024.

The Indonesian envoy highlighted that the services sector attracted 45% of Pakistani investments, followed by construction (26%) and trade and repair services (22%). Other sectors like hospitality (5%) and pharmaceuticals (1%) are also emerging areas of interest.

Citing the success of Indomie, a flagship instant noodle brand by PT Indofood, Kasuma noted it as a model of successful Indonesian investment in Pakistan – one that combines job creation, technology transfer, and cultural exchange. “This can serve as a blueprint for future investment in agro-food processing, halal FMCGs, and retail,” he added.

He also revealed growing Indonesian interest in Pakistan’s Reko Diq gold and copper project, describing it as a potential milestone in bilateral mining cooperation. Furthermore, Pakistani investors are increasingly exploring oil and ghee processing ventures in Indonesia, leveraging its global dominance in palm oil production.

Kasuma concluded by expressing optimism about the future of Indonesia-Pakistan ties, calling for expanded engagement across diverse economic sectors to build a resilient and mutually beneficial partnership.