KARACHI: The Indonesian Consul General in Karachi, Mudzakir M.A., has extended an invitation to industrialists from the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) to take part in the Trade Expo Indonesia 2026, which will be held in Jakarta starting October 14. The invitation underscores the significance of advancing preferential trade arrangements and the need for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Pakistan and Indonesia.

According to Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, during a meeting with KATI members, Consul General Mudzakir emphasized the importance of expanding business-to-business (B2B) linkages between Pakistani and Indonesian industrialists and traders. The event was attended by KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput, along with other prominent members and industrialists. Mudzakir assured that the Indonesian Consulate would assist KATI's industrialists with visa-related and diplomatic matters.

KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput highlighted the trade imbalance between Pakistan and Indonesia, noting that bilateral trade reached $4.7 billion in FY2024-25, with Indonesia's exports significantly outweighing Pakistan's. Rajput suggested moving beyond commodity-based trade towards high-value industrial partnerships and proposed establishing an "Indonesia Desk" at KATI to facilitate Indonesian investment in Pakistan.

Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya remarked on the strong economic ties between the two nations and stressed the potential for expanding trade in various sectors, including textiles and pharmaceuticals. He noted the importance of reducing Pakistan's import dependence, an area where Indonesia could offer substantial support.

The meeting concluded with calls for increased cooperation to remove trade barriers and enhance industrial partnerships, thereby elevating economic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia.