At times when our nation is faced with an unprecedented economic crisis, efforts are being made by the business and trade circles to search for solutions to come out of this crisis and set the country on the path to economic recovery.  One way to do this is to enhance the existing bilateral ties with our friendly countries and take them to new levels of friendship. And this can be termed as one of the best approaches to the existing economic woes of the country.  There are a number of countries with whom we share decades of economic trust in the wake of bilateral trade and with more efforts that economic relationship can be taken to the next level, which is the need of the hour.

Malaysia and Indonesia are also included in the list of those countries that are top choices of our traders for raw materials for some economic sectors including the soap industry. For instance, Malaysia has been exporting Palm Bye Products to the Soap Industry of Pakistan since 1880. On the other hand, Pakistan imports Palm Oil and its fractions from Indonesia amounting to USD 3.5 billion in 2022. Of this volume, the bulk of imports is the palm olien reaching USD 1.4 billion, and others, such as the Palm Stearin product reaches USD 165 million. Last week, this scribe chanced to attend the Annual Dinner of Pakistan Soap Manufacturers Association at a local hotel in Karachi, which was really informative as it focused on the issues of the soap industry and how they can be resolved at national and international levels. Since Malaysia and Indonesia are the top suppliers of raw materials to the Pak soap industry, it was good to see that His Excellency Consul General of Malaysia, Herman Hardynata Ahmad was honored as Chief Guest at this grand reception while Dr. June Kuncoro Hadiningrat Consul General of Indonesia and Cyril Negrello, Head of Perfumery Firmenich UEA graced the occasion as Guests of Honor which provided an opportunity to the honourable guests and the Pak traders from across the country to be abreast of the latest issues. It was really enlightening to see the PSMA chief Syed Anwer Suhail Razvi, who shed light on how Pak soap makers are relying on Malaysia for raw materials and said that Malaysia and Indonesia are countries from where raw materials for soap making are imported. 

Taking advantage of the presence of the Consul General of Malaysia & Indonesia, first of all, he made a brief introduction to his association and highlighted some of the problems especially faced during the past year's financial crises due to Letters of Credit & retirement of documents.

Highlighting the importance of the soap industry, he presented manufacturing data of washing soap, toilet soap, detergent powder, value additions, and revenue figures which the government gets from the soap industry. Dr. June Kuncoro Hadiningrat, the Consul General of Indonesia greeted the Chairman of PSMA and told we all know that Indonesia and Pakistan have been brotherly countries since their early days where our Founding Fathers had a great relationship. The diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Pakistan have always been very strong and cordial since the era of Independence in 1940s. Pakistan and Indonesia are two brotherly countries that have been enjoying excellent long-standing relations.  There is no denying that Pakistan and Indonesia are world's third-largest democracies and countries where Islam and modernity coexist and deliver to bring economic progress.

I know that some core materials of soap production are made from palm oil. Palm Stearin and soap Noodles, for example, bye products of palm oil and are used as the main raw material for manufacturing of soap as well as in some staple food products. Pakistan imports of Palm Oil and its fractions from Indonesia amounting to USD 3.5 billion in 2022. Of this volume, the bulk of imports is the palm olien reaching USD 1.4 billion, and other, such as the Palm Stearin product reaches USD 165 million. It was good to see that the Consul General of Malaysia, Herman Hardynata Ahmad was keen about the issues being faced by Pak soap manufacturers and he thanked PSMA for inviting him as Chief Guest as His Excellency hoped that such a gathering help bring the stakeholders in close contact and will help to enhance the existing trade ties between the two countries and definitely create better situation for both countries. He further said that the soap industry of Pakistan was looking forward to boosting imports of raw materials from Malaysia which has to be facilitated by providing better opportunities and Pakistan has emerged as a good trading partner for Malaysian suppliers who were keen to expand their businesses with Pakistani counterparts to further enhance the existing trade ties between the two countries will continue to expand in different sectors of the economy, resulting in strengthening the existing trade ties between Pakistan & Malaysia, adding that it is a good sign that students of both Muslim countries are getting education in Malaysia & Pakistan and now direct flight of Malaysian Air Lines has started from Pakistan.  The information provided by the Consul General of Malaysia, HE Herman Hardynata Ahmad really matters as he said that Malaysia has been exporting Palm Bye Products to the Soap Industry of Pakistan since 1880, assuring that they are trying to resolve all the issues and providing the best possible services to the Soap Industry in Pakistan whereas more products and commodities have to be incorporated to enhance the trade volume and take the trade ties to the next level.  And last but not least, the PSMA Convener Custom Committee Usman Ahmed, hoped that honorable and distinguished guests shall make special endeavours to resolve the issues of the Soap Industry. He was hopeful this visit of both Consul Generals would further strengthen and enhance the existing relationship among Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan, he also suggested the possibility of successful alliances and joint ventures in the soap-making industry. Both nations are prepared to take advantage of their distinguishing features and develop a cooperative partnership, which will aid in ensuring the growth and prosperity of the area.

Denmark: On the final day of the WRO Friendly Invitational Tournament in Odense, Denmark, the Badri High School Junior Future Innovators team made us proud by securing the 6th position for the Roadside Rescue project out of 14 international teams from 39 countries that participated at the event.

The BHS team comprising Sakina Sh Ammar, Ajab Aliasghar, and Aliasghar Ebrahim, accompanied by their coach and Robotics Head Ms. Rashida Adnan,  that represented Pakistan was the youngest team in this category.

 A matter of great pride was the fact that the Senior Future Innovation category was won by the Pakistan team from Faisalabad. The Pakistan team comprised two Imani schools including Badri High School and Saifiyah Boys High School as well as Roots IVY from Faisalabad. A moment of joy and celebration for Team Green!!

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 28 2023

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