26/07/2012 (The News International) - Trade between Pakistan and Indonesia has increased by 34 percent from $787 million in 2010 to $1.142 billion in 2011, a diplomat said on Wednesday.

Pakistan’s ambassador to Indonesia, Sanaullah during his meeting with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KADIN) chairman Suryo B Sulisto emphasised that there is enough potential in various fields between the two countries to increase trade.

Pakistan is the third biggest consumer of palm oil after China and India, he said, adding that however, there is an urgent need to boost two-way trade by encouraging business community of the two countries.

He requested the KADIN chairman to persuade the Indonesian businessmen to turn to a market of more than 180 million people and equally large market in the neighbouring landlocked countries.

He extended invitations to the chairman to attend Expo Pakistan 2012 and D-8 Summit to be held in Pakistan in October and November, respectively this year. Suryo appreciated the increasing trade between Pakistan and Indonesia and showed willingness to encourage the business community in Indonesia to seek trade and investment opportunities in Pakistan.

He said that frequent meetings of businessmen of the two countries would help increase bilateral trade.