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Pakistan and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation at an "Indonesian Palm Oil" reception held recently at a local hotel. The event coincided with an official visit by Diah Roro Esti Widya Putri, Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia.
The reception was attended by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan as chief guest, accompanied by senior government officials and representatives of the business community, including Sheikh Umer Rehan, Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA), and other industry leaders. Also present were Eddy Martono, Chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), Indonesia's Ambassador to Pakistan, Lieutenant General Sukotjo, and the Consuls General of Indonesia and Malaysia.
Addressing the gathering, the federal minister thanked the Indonesian Embassy for organising the event in Karachi, noting that such occasions offer an opportunity to showcase Pakistan's diversity, geography, economic strength and people beyond conventional stereotypes. He said positive developments such as this reception reflect the true image of Pakistan and deserve greater coverage in both national and international media.
Underscoring the importance of palm oil to the Pakistani economy, the minister noted that more than 75 percent of Pakistan's population consumes cooking oils imported primarily from Indonesia, making Indonesia an integral part of Pakistan's food chain, cuisine and daily life. He also commended GAPKI and stakeholders in Pakistan's industry for their continued contribution to bilateral trade.
The commerce minister stressed that Pakistan and Indonesia enjoy a well-established relationship that has grown stronger through recent high-level engagements, including the Indonesian President's recent visit to Pakistan with a large delegation, as well as ongoing ministerial-level exchanges. He said this reflects the importance both countries place on expanding trade, business and bilateral cooperation.
He also highlighted the expansion of Pakistan's economic diplomacy and trade outreach, particularly with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Gulf countries, Central Asia, Africa, Europe and the United States, adding that Pakistan plans to hold single-country exhibitions, including a proposed exhibition in Indonesia, to showcase Pakistani products and explore new market opportunities.
The reception also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Indonesia to establish a Joint Trade Committee (JTC) aimed at institutionalising trade dialogue and cooperation.
In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) and Pakistan's Vanaspati industry sector, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the palm oil sector through sustainable production, fair and balanced trade, innovation and long-term partnership, under the theme "Indonesia and Pakistan: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity."
In her remarks on the occasion, Indonesia's Deputy Trade Minister highlighted 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia, expressing appreciation for Pakistan's trust and reaffirming Indonesia's commitment to a fair, balanced and sustainable trade partnership.