KARACHI: For boosting the economic partnership between Pakistan and Indonesia a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was singed here on Saturday for setting up a Indonesia-Pakistan– Pakistan Joint Trade Committee, creating an institutional platform to enhance trade dialogue, facilitate cooperation, and jointly address opportunities and challenges in bilateral trade.
The MoU was signed following successful high-level talks held on January 9, 2026, led by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and visiting Indonesian Vice Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esty Widya Putri, reflecting a shared commitment to deepening economic ties. The development coincided with a reception hosted by the Consulate General of Indonesia in Karachi in honour of the Indonesian Vice Minister, which was attended by senior government officials and representatives of the business community from both countries.
During the talks, the Commerce Minister underscored Indonesia’s strategic importance within ASEAN, highlighting its potential role as a regional hub for fostering trilateral and regional economic cooperation.
He emphasised that Pakistan could serve as a reliable source for minerals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and agri-food commodities for the Indonesian market. The Minister also conveyed Pakistan’s intention to organize a Single-Country Exhibition and Business Forum in Jakarta, with invitations to be extended to ASEAN member states, aimed at showcasing Pakistani products and strengthening regional business linkages.
Secretary, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Shehyar Taj sought Indonesian facilitation for the early announcement of fruit import quotas, rationalization of certification requirements for Pakistani exports, notification of rice import quotas, and improved market access for industrial-grade potatoes from Pakistan. Both sides agreed to work jointly toward expanding the existing Preferential Trade Agreement, with the shared objective of progressing toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to unlock greater trade and investment opportunities.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026