Pakistani Ambassador: D-8 Has Opportunity to Transform Under Indonesia's Leadership
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Pakistani Ambassador to Indonesia, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, believes the D-8 has the opportunity to transform under Indonesia’s leadership for the 2026–2027 period.
“Indonesia possesses the economic scale and diplomatic credibility, as well as the vision to advance this organisation. We are optimistic that the D-8 will grow stronger under Indonesia’s leadership,” said Chaudhri in an interview with ANTARA in Jakarta on Saturday (11/4).
He stated that development is a crucial matter for the member states of the Developing Eight (D-8).
According to him, the organisation plays a role in strengthening economic and trade cooperation among members.
“We need to increase intra-D-8 trade,” he said.
Chaudhri mentioned that the combined gross domestic product (GDP) of the D-8 reaches approximately $5 trillion (Rp85,446.5 trillion).
However, intra-D-8 trade remains relatively low, at around $156 billion.
He assessed that the D-8 needs to set measurable trade targets and formulate action plans to strengthen economic integration.
In addition, he emphasised the importance of cooperation in the blue economy, green transition, and renewable energy sectors.
According to him, the economies of D-8 members need not only to grow but also to become increasingly integrated.
“Business linkages and integrated supply chains are very important. We need not only to increase trade but also its quality,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of strategically utilising investments to encourage more effective use of capital.
Indonesia will hold the D-8 chairmanship for the 2026–2027 period with the theme “Navigating Global Shifts: Strengthening Equity, Solidarity, and Cooperation for Shared Prosperity.”
The D-8 is an economic cooperation organisation comprising Indonesia, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey.
Azerbaijan became the newest member to join in December 2024.
Indonesia and Pakistan have maintained diplomatic relations since April 1950.
The two countries, along with India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, were also the initiators of the Asian-African Conference in Bandung in 1955.