Pakistan aims to expand tobacco exports to Indonesia via trade webinar

KARACHI: Pakistan is looking to strengthen its tobacco exports to Indonesia as part of a broader push to deepen trade ties with Southeast Asia, officials said following a government-led webinar that connected exporters and policymakers from both countries.

The online session, hosted by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in collaboration with Pakistan’s trade mission in Indonesia, focused on identifying market opportunities, easing regulatory hurdles and promoting Pakistan’s tobacco products in the Indonesian market.

The webinar was jointly chaired by Deputy Director at TDAP Ayaz Muhammad and Minister for Trade and Investment at Pakistan’s Mission in Indonesia Muhammad Naseem Rashid. It brought together key industry representatives, including leading Pakistani exporters and officials from the Pakistan Tobacco Board.

Indonesia, one of the largest consumers of tobacco in Asia, was described as a gateway for regional trade. Speakers noted that Pakistan, with its mature tobacco cultivation base and established processing capacity, is well-positioned to cater to rising demand.

Participants discussed market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and the potential for bilateral collaboration. The session also addressed existing trade barriers and explored ways to streamline access for Pakistani tobacco products in the Indonesian market.

TDAP said the session concluded with agreement on concrete follow-up steps, including a dedicated business-to-business (B2B) engagement involving the Pakistan Tobacco Board and exporters. The initiative is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to diversify exports and boost value-added agricultural trade with high-growth economies.