KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday invited Indonesian businesses to invest in Sindh’s rapidly expanding economy, highlighting major upcoming initiatives, including the development of Keti Bandar Port, the establishment of a Sindh International Facilitation Centre in Karachi, and the creation of AI-enabled data centres powered by affordable energy.
Addressing the media after participating in the Pakistan–Indonesia Investment & Business Forum, the chief minister said Sindh offered immense opportunities for foreign investors across infrastructure, logistics, renewable energy, information technology, manufacturing, and agribusiness.
He expressed confidence that the forum would pave the way for stronger economic cooperation and tangible business partnerships between Pakistan and Indonesia.
Organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad and the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Karachi, with the support of the Indonesia Investment Promotion Centre (IIPC), Abu Dhabi, the forum brought together government officials, investment authorities, chambers of commerce, business leaders, investors, and academics from both countries.
The opening session featured remarks by Mudzakir, the consul-general of the Republic of Indonesia in Karachi; Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, acting president of the FPCCI; Lt.-Gen. Chandra W. Sukotjo (Retd.), ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Pakistan; and Syed Murad Ali Shah, chief minister of Sindh, who attended as the chief guest.
Speaking at the forum, Shah thanked the Indonesian consul-general,Mudzakir, and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) for organising the event and bringing together business leaders from both countries.
He said Pakistan and Indonesia enjoyed a historic relationship based on mutual respect, shared values, and longstanding cooperation, adding that stronger economic engagement could further deepen bilateral ties.
The chief minister described Sindh as the economic engine of Pakistan, noting that Karachi remained the country’s financial and commercial hub, with world-class ports, industrial zones, financial institutions, and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Highlighting Sindh’s investment agenda, he said the provincial government was working on the development of a new deep-sea port at Keti Bandar, which would create significant opportunities in trade, logistics, and maritime commerce.
He added that a Sindh International Facilitation Centre would be established in Karachi to provide investors with streamlined services and support for business operations.
Shah also announced plans to develop advanced AI-enabled data centres supported by affordable and sustainable energy solutions.
He said Sindh was committed to creating a business-friendly environment through governance reforms, infrastructure development, digital transformation, and investment facilitation.
He noted that Sindh offered attractive investment opportunities in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, as well as agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, information technology, and value-added industries.
Referring to discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Pakistan and Indonesia, the chief minister said such an agreement could significantly boost bilateral trade, encourage investment flows, and reduce barriers to economic cooperation.
He stressed that while governments could provide an enabling framework, the private sector remained the driving force behind economic growth. He urged entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce, and investors from both countries to strengthen business-to-business linkages, identify complementary strengths, and pursue joint ventures.
Inviting Indonesian companies to explore opportunities in Sindh, he assured them that the provincial government would provide full support and facilitation for investment projects and long-term partnerships.
In his welcoming remarks, Consul-General Mudzakir described the forum as part of Indonesia’s sustained efforts to connect the business communities of both countries and translate commercial interest into practical cooperation. He highlighted Karachi’s strategic position as Pakistan’s commercial, industrial, financial, and maritime centre and reaffirmed the consulate general’s role as a facilitator of business information, credible partnerships, and market access.
Representing Pakistan’s private sector, SaquibFayyazMagoon highlighted the complementary strengths of both economies and the vast potential of a combined market of more than 520 million people. He called for more diversified trade, stronger business-to-business collaboration, improved logistics, and continued progress towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
In his keynote address, Ambassador Chandra W. Sukotjo said Indonesia and Pakistan should transform their longstanding friendship into tangible economic outcomes.
He described Indonesia not only as a major market of more than 280 million people but also as a manufacturing hub, investment destination, and gateway to ASEAN countries.
He said that a future CEPA should provide a comprehensive framework covering trade, investment, services, standards, customs procedures, and supply chain connectivity.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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