Pakistan, Indonesia businesses forge new trade links at Sharjah B2B session
Focused meeting opens fresh channels for private-sector collaboration
SHARJAH – Sharjah hosted a focused Pakistan-Indonesia B2B Networking Session yesterday, bringing together business leaders and representatives from both countries to explore opportunities for trade, investment and commercial collaboration.
Organised by the Pakistan Business Council Sharjah (PBCS), the meeting was held at the Holiday International Hotel at Al Majaz Waterfront. The session brought together a selective group of Pakistani and Indonesian business representatives, with an emphasis on direct business-to-business engagement rather than a conventional programme centred on formal speeches.
The event was attended by Denny Lesmana, Consul General of Indonesia to Dubai, Ali Zeb Khan, Trade and Investment Counsellor of Pakistan to the UAE, and Widy Haryono, Director of the Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre. Prominent business leaders from the Pakistani and Indonesian communities also participated in the networking session.
The format was designed to give business owners an opportunity to meet potential counterparts directly, exchange information about their companies and discuss areas where commercial cooperation could be developed.
Direct connections
Syed Saleem Akhtar, Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Business Council Sharjah, welcomed the Indonesian delegation and highlighted the importance of building practical and result-oriented business relationships.
He said PBCS had deliberately invited a selective group of business leaders from diverse sectors to keep the discussions focused on genuine commercial opportunities. He also noted that the council has members representing almost every major business sector and is prepared to identify relevant Pakistani counterparts when Indonesian businesses are seeking potential partners.
The session marked a new approach to B2B networking in Sharjah, bringing two business councils together in a dedicated format that allowed business owners to interact directly. Instead of relying primarily on formal addresses and introductions, participants were encouraged to discuss their businesses, markets and potential areas of cooperation.
The interactive format led to several business owners from Pakistan and Indonesia agreeing to arrange one-to-one follow-up meetings. These discussions are expected to focus on potential partnerships, trade opportunities and other forms of commercial collaboration identified during the session.
Amir Hassan, Vice Chairman of Pakistan Business Council Sharjah, said meaningful business relationships develop when business leaders have opportunities to communicate directly. He also stressed the importance of maintaining contact after the networking event so that initial discussions can develop into practical business opportunities.
Khalid Chudhary, Director Advisory Board of Pakistan Business Council Sharjah, welcomed the participation of the Indonesian business community and highlighted the value of developing long-term relationships between companies. He said such initiatives allow entrepreneurs to gain a better understanding of each other's markets while identifying areas where cooperation could deliver mutual benefits.
Muhammad Yaseen, Director Membership of PBCS, also welcomed the participation of members and guests, stressing the importance of active engagement by the business community. He said the effectiveness of networking initiatives depends not only on the meeting itself but also on continued communication and follow-up between participating businesses.
Trade cooperation
Denny Lesmana, Consul General of Indonesia to Dubai, appreciated the initiative by PBCS to bring the two business communities together and encouraged greater interaction between Pakistani and Indonesian companies.
Ali Zeb Khan, Trade and Investment Counsellor of Pakistan to the UAE, also addressed the gathering and shared insights on strengthening trade and investment relations between Pakistan and Indonesia, while encouraging greater private-sector engagement.
The event also included a gesture of appreciation from PBCS, which presented flowers and commemorative plaques to Denny Lesmana and Ali Zeb Khan in recognition of their participation and support for stronger business relations.
Fahad Asad, social media influencer and MC, professionally hosted the event and facilitated the proceedings. Shafique Ur Rehman, President of the Event Committee, and Faraz Siddiqui were also recognised for their efforts in organising the session.
Throughout the meeting, participants introduced their businesses, exchanged ideas and discussed potential areas of cooperation. Direct contact between prospective partners enabled representatives to explore commercial possibilities in greater detail and identify businesses with potentially complementary interests.
Several participants subsequently agreed to hold individual business meetings, providing a clear follow-up channel for discussions initiated during the event.
The Pakistan Business Council Sharjah thanked the Indonesian Business Council, Consulate General of Indonesia in Dubai, Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre, distinguished guests, speakers and participating business leaders for their contribution to the event.
PBCS also reaffirmed its commitment to creating platforms that connect business communities and facilitate direct commercial engagement. The council said it plans to continue practical, sector-focused networking initiatives aimed at strengthening business-to-business relations involving Pakistan, Indonesia and the UAE.
Participants left the session with plans for continued communication and follow-up discussions on the opportunities identified during the meeting, extending the business engagement beyond the Sharjah gathering.