Pakistan Business Council Sharjah proposes new forum to deepen Indonesia business ties
Delegation discusses business collaboration, tourism and industrial partnerships
SHARJAH – The Pakistan Business Council Sharjah (PBCS) and the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations following a high-level meeting aimed at expanding business cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions brought together senior representatives from both sides to explore new opportunities in trade, investment, tourism and industrial collaboration. The meeting also resulted in a proposal to organise a dedicated Pakistan-Indonesia Business Networking Forum in Sharjah, designed to encourage direct engagement between businesses from both nations.
Held in a cordial atmosphere at a renowned Indonesian restaurant, the meeting concluded with an authentic Indonesian lunch hosted by Consul General Denny Lesmana, providing an additional platform for networking and informal discussions.
Focus on trade
The Pakistan Business Council Sharjah delegation was led by Senior Vice Chairman Syed Saleem Akhtar and included Second Vice Chairman Amir Hassan, Women Wing President Dr Noor Al Sabah, Director Events Zaheer Ahmad, Event Committee President Shafique Ur Rehman and Media Executive Kashan Tumsil.
The Indonesian delegation comprised Consul General Denny Lesmana, Consul Ahmad Ma'rufi, Consul Ika Fitriyana Kusumaningrum and Widy Haryono, Director of the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) Dubai. The meeting was facilitated by Ahmad Ma'rufi, whose efforts in bringing together the Indonesian Consulate General and the Pakistan Business Council Sharjah were acknowledged by both delegations.
Speaking on behalf of PBCS, Syed Saleem Akhtar thanked the Consul General for the warm welcome and hospitality while expressing appreciation to Ahmad Ma'rufi for helping establish closer institutional ties between the Indonesian Consulate General and the business council.
Economic potential
During the discussions, Akhtar highlighted the long-standing historical, cultural and religious links between Pakistan and Indonesia, describing them as a strong foundation for expanding economic cooperation. He noted that significant untapped opportunities remain in bilateral trade, investment, tourism and industrial partnerships.
He also commended Indonesia's economic achievements, pointing to its position as Southeast Asia's largest economy, a member of the G20 and the world's largest Muslim-majority nation. He praised the country's leadership in sectors including palm oil, nickel, renewable energy, manufacturing and the digital economy, while also recognising the development of Nusantara, Indonesia's planned future capital city.
Akhtar said the Pakistan Business Council Sharjah aims to serve as a bridge between the business communities of Pakistan and Indonesia, encouraging greater business-to-business engagement to unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, innovation and sustainable economic growth.
Business forum
One of the key proposals to emerge from the meeting was the establishment of a Pakistan-Indonesia Business Networking Forum in Sharjah. The proposed platform would bring together Indonesian companies operating in the UAE with members of the Pakistan Business Council Sharjah to exchange ideas, identify investment opportunities and build long-term commercial partnerships.
Both sides also agreed to maintain close cooperation through regular engagement and joint initiatives aimed at promoting stronger bilateral trade and investment.
Following the formal discussions, the Consul General hosted the PBCS delegation for an Indonesian lunch, allowing delegates to continue conversations and strengthen professional relationships in a more informal setting.
The visit concluded with a ceremonial exchange of gifts symbolising the friendship between Pakistan and Indonesia. On behalf of the Pakistan Business Council Sharjah, Syed Saleem Akhtar presented premium Pakistani mangoes in a handcrafted wooden gift box to Consul General Denny Lesmana as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation. The gift highlighted one of Pakistan's best-known agricultural products while reflecting the country's cultural heritage and hospitality.
Looking ahead, the Pakistan Business Council Sharjah said it intends to work closely with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia and the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center to translate the outcomes of the meeting into practical initiatives that support trade, investment and wider economic cooperation between the two countries.