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LCCI demands relaxation in visa restriction to Indonesia

Recorder Report

Lahore: President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ilyas M. Chaudhry, has appealed to the Government of Indonesia to relax visa restrictions imposed on Pakistani businessmen travelling to Jakarta.

In a meeting with Indonesian Charge d'Affairs in Islamabad, LCCI president said that the delay in visa issuance, which is normally six weeks, has hampered trade promotion between the two countries.

He said that the Government of Indonesia should make the visa procedure simple and speedy so as the businessmen could frequently undertake visit to that country.

The Charge d'Affairs, M. Asruchin, complained that Pakistan had imposed more taxes and duties on the import of betel nuts from Indonesia as compared to the imports from Thailand and other countries.

LCCI president invited Indonesian businessmen to visit Pakistan as it had great potential for trade between the two countries in the fields of cotton yarn, textile, leather, sports goods, cloth accessories, surgical instruments and rice.

He also sought Indonesian guidance to implement Riba-free Islamic banking system in the light of Supreme Court Judgment.

He urged the Indonesian businessmen to establish joint ventures in the field of leather, leather made-ups, cement plants, textile and palm oil refining and rubber products. LCCI also sought Indonesian assistance in palm plantation.

Indonesian diplomat said that his embassy was organising a businessmen delegation to visit Pakistan in near future.