Strengthening Ties: HCSTSI Vice President Advocates for Hyderabad at Indonesian Palm Oil Reception

In a significant stride towards fostering international economic cooperation and addressing local business challenges, Shan Sehgal, Vice President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI), recently attended the high-profile Indonesian Palm Oil Networking Reception. Organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, the event served as a crucial platform for dialogue and partnership.

The reception was a gathering of influential figures, underscoring the importance of bilateral relations. Notable attendees included H.E. Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan; H.E. Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, Vice Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia; H.E. Chandra W. Sukotjo, Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan; and Eddy Martono, Chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI). Also present were Naweed Gilani, Head of Pakistan Edible Oil / Palm Oil Association, alongside a diverse group of diplomatic representatives and leading industrial and trade personalities from both nations.

This event was more than just a networking opportunity; it was a testament to the deepening economic ties between Pakistan and Indonesia. It followed the recent State Visit of H.E. Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia, to Pakistan in December 2025, a visit that marked a major milestone coinciding with 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Advocating for Hyderabad’s Business Community

During the reception, Shan Sehgal seized a pivotal moment to engage in a detailed meeting with Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan. Sehgal articulated the pressing issues confronting Hyderabad’s vibrant business and industrial community, highlighting critical challenges such as:

• Shortages of electricity and gas
• High energy costs
• Increasing taxation
• Limited access to financing
• Weak infrastructure
• Inadequate policy support for small industries

The Federal Minister reportedly listened with keen interest, expressing a serious commitment to addressing these challenges and assuring that the government would take practical steps to support traders and industrialists. Minister Khan extended an invitation to the HCSTSI delegation for a comprehensive briefing in Karachi to explore sustainable solutions. In a reciprocal gesture, Shan Sehgal invited the Federal Minister to visit the HCSTSI Secretariat, an invitation that was graciously accepted.

Expanding Bilateral Trade Horizons

Beyond domestic concerns, Shan Sehgal also engaged in fruitful discussions with the Indonesian Vice Minister of Trade. Their dialogue centered on the expansion of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Indonesia, specifically exploring opportunities in key sectors:

• Palm oil
• Food processing
• Halal food
• Textiles
• Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Both sides agreed on the importance of continuing such networking programs and institutional collaborations to ensure tangible growth in bilateral trade, promising a future of enhanced economic partnership.

“The traders and industrialists of Hyderabad play a vital role in the national economy, but they face significant challenges due to rising costs, the energy crisis, and policy instability,” said Shan Sehgal. “We are pleased that the Federal Minister listened seriously to our concerns and assured his support for their resolution. We are optimistic that, with government cooperation and strengthened relations with Indonesia, Hyderabad’s industry will be revitalized, and exports will increase.”

Sehgal further reiterated HCSTSI’s commitment to working closely with the government, diplomatic missions, and international trade bodies to unlock new opportunities for small traders and industrialists across Sindh.

The Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry extends its sincere gratitude to the Indonesian authorities, the event organizers, and the Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan for this invaluable initiative. Such platforms are instrumental in fortifying bilateral trade, investment, and industrial cooperation, paving the way for a prosperous shared future. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026.

Source: Original Article