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Pakistan & Indonesia to explore broad based cooperation, Ambassador Adam Tugio

  • CPEC is beneficial for Indonesia and ASEAN countries.
  • Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace process is highly laudable.
  • Business community of two countries should expand connectivity.

Islamabad (Diplomatic correspondent) Indonesian envoy to Pakistan His Excellency Adam Mulawarman Tugio has vowed to enhance bilateral ties between Pakistan and Indonesia especially in the field of trade, economy, education and culture. He noted that Pakistan and Indonesia enjoys good brotherly relations and bilateral relation has been expanded to more broad- based areas of cooperation. While trade value continues to increase, the two countries are committed to explore untapped trade potential among other by diversifying export-import products as well as using geo-economic strategic as hub for deepening trade transactions to adjacent areas in respective regions. He expressed these views while talking with Daily “ITTEHAD”, Monthly “Peace International”, Pakistan Economic Net & iNews Channel. He said that both the countries can benefit a lot from each other’s experiences. The bilateral relationship between the two countries is characterized by mutual trust, respect and goodwill. Both the countries highly value their exemplary historic ties and aspire to maintain and transform it to bolster cooperation in various potential domains of mutual interest. “We strongly consider the geo-economic importance of Pakistan, which serves as a hub to connect to Central Asia, South Asia and Middle East”, added Mr. Tugio. While replying to a question, he commended China Pakistan Economic Corridor adding the project is going to explore much economic activities in Pakistan and the region. He was of the view that Indonesia and other ASEAN can also benefit from CPEC. Mr Tugio also lauds Belt and Road Initiative and termed it an opportunity for the countries included in BRI. He said that connectivity and easy access to market generates wealth and improves livelihood. Ambassador Tugio said that like Pakistan’s strategic location in the region, Indonesia is also ideally located and hub for ASEAN countries, and both the countries can explore opportunities from their respective locations. He appreciated the establishment of Economic Zones in Pakistan, which can generate huge economic activities. He said that poverty alleviation is a big challenge for every nation and country which can be overcome by increased economic activities, industrialization and the promotion of agro based industry. He disclosed that Indonesian companies have already taken initiatives for investment in Pakistan, especially in Faisalabad Economic Zone. Since the promotion of economic and trade ties is the top priority, therefore, The Embassy has been continuously encouraging the business community of both sides to expand connectivity, introduce new investment plans and increase exports. The other promising sectors for cooperation are energy, IT, transportation and food items, which would be quite attractive for the Indonesian companies. By looking at developments in the infrastructure sector and other sectors that drive the economic growth through the CPEC program, Indonesia sees Pakistan as one of the potential places for outbound investment. He said that establishment of Special Economic Zone in different provinces in Pakistan has its significance due to its location, it can attract local and foreign investors too.

Talking about regional situation Ambassador Tugio hailed the role of Pakistan by facilitating peace process in Afghanistan. He pointed out that by peace in Afghanistan huge economic activities can take place in the region and especially in Pakistan. Ambassador Tugio said there is a dire need of interaction between relevant stakeholders in Indonesia and Pakistan and other Muslim majority countries to counter Islamophobia. and Media professionals in the West need also to be engaged in dialog to raise awareness and promote interfaith harmony.

Regarding youth exchange programs, Ambassador Tugio was of the view that education sector should be one of the priority areas to bring the youth and millennials of the two countries closer. In this regard, Indonesian government’s KNB Scholarship program has special significance, which has received very positive response from the students in Pakistan. He noticed a great level of interest in the academia on both the sides to explore and enhance academic cooperation and bring it at par with the existing potential between the two countries.

NOTE:-
DETAILED INTERVIEW OF HIS EXCELLENCY ADAM MULAWARMAN TUGIO WILL BE PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH AND URDU IN DAILY “ITTEHAD” MONTHLY “PEACE INTERNATIONAL”.

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