Bilateral ties between Pak, Indonesia excellent

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan, Iwan S Amri has said that Indonesia and Pakistan were committed to bolstering cooperation in various venues to further expand existing excellent bilateral and economic relations.

Talking to Patron Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders (ICST) Shahid Rasheed Butt at his office here on Tuesday, Iwan S Amri said that relations with Pakistan were growing at a fast pace and both brotherly countries had a strong wish and will to give new dimensions to these relations, he added.

The Ambassador noted with satisfaction that economic relations are good but the bilateral trade can be improved for which both the governments and private sector should play their role.

He underlined the importance of close ties and enhancing people-to-people networks and all-around cooperation to further strengthen the bond between the two nations.

Indonesia with 1,340 ethnic groups, 1,211 local languages and 17,504 islands is spread out over 3000 km area and represents great opportunities for Pakistani investors.

Iwan S Amri said that Indonesia has witnessed remarkable social, political and economic change in recent years. It made important progress towards its Millennium Development Goals, graduated to a Middle Income Country status and was welcomed to the fold of the G20, he added.

The Envoy elaborated that Indonesia as an emerging economy market was the largest economy in Southeast Asia with a Gross domestic product of almost one trillion dollars with above five percent annual growth rate.

He said that President of Indonesia is scheduled to visit Pakistan next month (January) along with high powered business delegation which will bring both the brotherly countries together.