A six-member delegation of Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industries (QCCI) led by President Muhammad Asim Siddiqui is on visit to Indonesia from 16-21 December to explore the Indonesian market. The delegation comprises companies trading in fruit and vegetables, dry fruits and nuts, furniture, rice and petro chemicals and logistics.
Indonesia Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement has been operationalized wef., 1st September, 2013 in which customs tariff on kinnow and nine other fruits has been waived. Indonesia also signed Mutual Recognition Agreement with Pakistan on Sanitary and Phyto sanitary measures for agricultural products and granted Pest Free Area Recognition for Pakistan’s kinnow (orange) allowing entry through Tanjung Priok Port of Jakarta w.e.f 30th August 2013.
These measures have opened up the Indonesian market for Pakistan’s kinnow specially and also for other products and the delegation would capitalise the opportunities provided by the government of Pakistan. Ayesha Tassaduq Press Attache Embassy of Pakistan, Jakarta in an E-mail message to Business Recorder said that the mission arranged delegation’s meetings with Indonesian fruit and vegetable importers and exporters Association (ASEIBSSINDO), Indonesian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KADIN Indonesia), Indonesian Furniture Association, Jakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, visits to retail chains Carrefour, Hero Group, Ranch Market, cold storage facilities at Tanjung Priok port and B2B meetings with leading individual companies importing fresh fruits and vegetables, dry fruits, furniture, rice and petro chemicals during visit.
President QCCI, while meeting with ten member delegation of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN Indonesia) at Pakistan Embassy appreciated efforts of Indonesian business community in developing bilateral trade relations with Pakistan and said that Pakistan business community valued the friendly relationship which Pakistan enjoys with Indonesia. He has shown Pakistan’s full interest in expanding trade with Indonesia by exchange of trade delegations, participation in exhibitions, exchange of information, lobbying with both governments for Free Trade Agreement, business visa recommendation, operation of direct flights etc.
The leader of KADIN delegation, Dr Ilhami Ilyas, said that Indonesian businessmen are keen to form joint ventures with Pakistani businessmen in various sectors, which will eventually increase the foreign exchange for both the countries. The representatives of Indonesian Fruit and Vegetable Importers and Exporters Association arranged reception and meeting with QCCI delegation. The Vice Chairman of Jakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasised the need to have more B2B meetings and frequent interaction between the Chambers of Commerce of both countries.
President QCCI, termed Indonesia as a non-traditional market as most of the trade from Balochistan is confined to Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia, but he said that QCCI would capitalise the market opportunities available in Indonesia due to bilateral agreements.
