KARACHI: Indonesia and Pakistan should move beyond simply trading more and focus on connecting their industries more closely, Consul General of Indonesia Mudzakir said during a business meeting with the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) in Karachi on Thursday.
The Consul General met KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput, Deputy Patron-in-Chief Mohammad Zubair Chhaya, Senior Vice President Zahid Hameed, Vice President Syed Mohammad Talha Ali, and leading members of Karachi’s industrial community.
With KATI representing more than 5,000 industrial, commercial and service enterprises, discussions focused on how Indonesia could become a stronger sourcing and supply-chain partner for Pakistani manufacturers, while at the same time creating more opportunities for competitive Pakistani products in the Indonesian market.
“Indonesia and Pakistan should not only trade more — our industries should become more connected,” Consul General Mudzakir said.
Bilateral trade reached around USD 4.26 billion in 2025, but both sides agreed that future cooperation should be more diversified and sustainable.
The discussion also touched on concerns over Pakistan’s trade deficit with Indonesia. The Indonesian side stressed that a more balanced relationship should be pursued by expanding opportunities rather than reducing existing trade — including through greater Pakistani exports, investment, joint ventures and stronger industrial linkages.
KATI also expressed interest in sharing business, manufacturing and industrial experience with Indonesian counterparts, opening possibilities for closer interaction between industrial communities of the two countries.
The meeting included a brief presentation on Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2026, to be held from 14–18 October in Greater Jakarta. KATI members were invited to use TEI to explore Indonesian suppliers, industrial inputs and potential business partners, with the Consulate ready to facilitate targeted B2B meetings.
Beond TEI, the Consulate General and KATI agreed to maintain closer engagement aimed at turning business interest into practical two-way trade and long-term industrial partnerships.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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