Pakistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Asad Majeed Khan witnessed the official signing of the Pakistan-Indonesia Business Council at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), in Jakarta (13/7). Chairman of Kadin Indonesia, Arsjad Rasjid, along with Pakistan's Ambassador to Indonesia, ASEAN, and Timor Leste, Muhammad Hassan, along with high-level delegation representatives were also present at the event.

In his opening speech, Ambassador Muhammad Hassan said that the establishment of the Pakistan-Indonesia Business Council is an important milestone in the relationship between the two countries. Not only does it strengthen the historical bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries, it also marks a new chapter of economic partnership between Pakistan and Indonesia.

"I hope that the Pakistan-Indonesia Business Council will be a platform to enhance business interactions, nurture partnerships, and also present a conducive environment for the exchange of ideas and knowledge. In addition, communication, co-operation and co-ordination between the governments of both countries and the private sector can contribute to the prospects of economic growth", said Pakistan's Ambassador to Indonesia, Muhammad Hassan.

At the inauguration, Pakistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs also separately expressed his appreciation to Indonesia for the friendly and warm welcome. The inauguration of the Pakistan-Indonesia Business Council is an important achievement to deepen economic relations between the two countries while opening up great opportunities for economic cooperation. The establishment of the business council is a clear evidence of the joint commitment of the two countries to increase bilateral trade, attract investment, and maintain mutually beneficial relations for both countries.

"The main objective of establishing the Pakistan-Indonesia Business Council is not only to enhance trade relations and attract investment for both countries, but also to improve the quality of life of the people of both countries to get opportunities for decent work and reduce poverty to form a prosperous and resilient society. Appreciation also needs to be given to the stakeholders involved in making this initiative a reality", added Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Dr Asad Majeed.

Chairman of Kadin Indonesia, Arsjad Rasjid, welcomed the initiative to form the Pakistan-Indonesia Business Council. This is because Pakistan is an important trading partner for Indonesia's non-traditional markets.

"The bilateral trade relationship between Indonesia and Pakistan has enormous potential that is mutually beneficial for both countries. Therefore, long-term collaboration to open up economic opportunities is very important. Kadin Indonesia hopes to continue the collaboration through this business council by facilitating business networking interactions where delegates and business people meet to collaborate and find good business potentials, as well as build warm and sustainable friendly relations," Arsjad Rasjid concluded.