HYDERABAD: Shan Sehgal, Vice President, Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI), attended the high-profile Indonesian Palm Oil Networking Reception organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia.
The event was attended by H.E. Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan; H.E. Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, Vice Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia; H.E. Chandra W. Sukotjo, Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan; Eddy Martono, Chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI); Naweed Gilani, Head of Pakistan Edible Oil / Palm Oil Association; along with other diplomatic representatives and prominent industrial and trade leaders from Pakistan and Indonesia.
The reception was held in the context of strengthening bilateral economic cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia and followed the recent State Visit of H.E. Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia, to Pakistan in December 2025, marking a major milestone in Pakistan Indonesia diplomatic and trade relations, coinciding with 75 years of diplomatic ties.
During the event, Shan Sehgal held a detailed meeting with Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan and highlighted the critical issues faced by Hyderabad’s business and industrial community. He emphasized challenges such as shortages of electricity and gas, high energy costs, increasing taxation, limited access to financing, weak infrastructure, and inadequate policy support for small industries. The Federal Minister listened attentively; expressed serious interest in addressing these challenges, and assured that the government would take practical measures to support traders and industrialists.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan also invited the HCSTSI delegation to Karachi for a detailed briefing to explore comprehensive and sustainable solutions. In addition, Shan Sehgal extended an invitation to the Federal Minister to visit the HCSTSI Secretariat, which was graciously accepted.
Shan Sehgal also met with the Indonesian vice Minister of Trade, where discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade between Pakistan and Indonesia, particularly in palm oil, food processing, halal food, textiles, and small and medium-sized enterprises. Both sides agreed to continue such networking programs and institutional collaborations to ensure tangible growth in bilateral trade.
Speaking at the event, Shan Sehgal said “The traders and industrialists of Hyderabad play a vital role in the national economy, but they face significant challenges due to rising costs, the energy crisis, and policy instability. We are pleased that the Federal Minister listened seriously to our concerns and assured his support for their resolution. We are optimistic that, with government cooperation and strengthened relations with Indonesia, Hyderabad’s industry will be revitalized, and exports will increase.” He said that HCSTSI will continue working closely with the government, diplomatic missions, and international trade bodies to create new opportunities for small traders and industrialists across Sindh.
In conclusion, the Chamber expressed its gratitude to the Indonesian authorities, event organizers, and the Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan and emphasized that such initiatives will further strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and industrial cooperation in the future.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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