LAHORE - Punjab Board of Investment and Trade hosted an exclusive “Pakistan Indonesia Business Forum” for the high profile Indonesian delegation to collaborate and discuss the potential opportunities present in the province. Alwi Shihab, Special Envoy of Indonesian President for Middle East and OIC, emphasized on formulating an “Economic Block” comprising of three brotherly countries, Pakistan, Indonesia and Turkey.
The Pakistan Indonesia Business Forum underlined the significance of close ties and enhancing people-to-people networks and all-around cooperation to further deepen the bond between the two nations. Indonesia and Pakistan are devoted to bolster cooperation in various venues to further expand existing bilateral and economic relations.
The Indonesian delegation included Alwi Shihab, Dr Sugiharto, Surya Tri Harto, Wiji Sustano, Novi Hendra, Ms Nilla Meidtha, Ms Yasim Yurishki Mumpuni, Mr & Mrs Budi, Joko Santosa and Gelora yala, whereas Khwaja Amhed Hassan, Pir Saad Ahsanuddin, Jahanzeb Burana, Haroon Shaukat and Maleeha Bangash graced the event with their presence.
Talking about close bilateral relations between Pakistan and Indonesia, the head of delegation Alvi Shihab expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and gestures which he regarded as a manifestation of the brotherly relations that existed between the two countries. He stressed that two countries shared common perceptions on regional and international issues and closely cooperated at multilateral forums, having always stood by each other in times of need but still there exists a dire need to enhance bilateral trade between Pakistan and Indonesia for making it commensurate with the warm feelings that the two countries have for each other. He further added youth from both counterparts should come forward and play pivotal role in further strengthening two-sided relations and cooperation.
Addressing the event, Khawaja Ahmed Hassan, Vice Chairman PBIT, deliberated on the importance of CPEC with the potential to generate new employment opportunities, reduce endemic poverty and attract much-needed foreign investment in the country. He further discussed that the government of Punjab is striving to overcome the energy crisis, develop business friendly investment policies, modern infrastructure.
He further quoted the example of Sahiwal Coal power plant and the record breaking speed with which energy reforms are taking place in the province.
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