Experts highlight potential for $500b intra-D-8 trade, stronger Pakistan-Indonesia cooperation
ISLAMABAD:
A discussion session on the role and future of the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation was held at the National Library of Pakistan.
The event, titled “Towards the D-8 Summit: The Relevance of the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation Amid Global Challenges,” was organised by the Embassy of Indonesia in Islamabad in collaboration with the International Institute for Regional and International Studies, according to a release issued on Friday.
The session brought together Indonesian students studying at the International Islamic University Islamabad and Pakistani students from Quaid-i-Azam University, National Defence University, Bahria University, Riphah International University and the National University of Modern Languages.
The gathering served as an academic platform for dialogue on the relevance of the D-8 in addressing economic challenges.
The event opened with remarks from IIRIS President Shafqat Rasool, who welcomed diplomats, speakers and students from Pakistan and Indonesia. He highlighted the importance of academic engagement in strengthening multilateral cooperation and fostering understanding among D-8 member states.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr M Saeed Uzzaman, head of the Department of International Relations at the National University of Modern Languages in Rawalpindi.
His presentation, titled “Reinvigorating the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation: The Strategic Role of Pakistan-Indonesia Collaboration,” emphasised the potential of the D-8 to emerge as a dynamic South-South economic bloc.
Dr Uzzaman said the organisation could significantly expand its impact if member states enhanced intra-D-8 trade, addressed connectivity gaps, strengthened logistics and maritime integration and improved institutional capacity.
According to him, such initiatives could raise intra-D-8 trade to over $500 billion, contribute to a combined GDP of $8-10 trillion and create more than 50 million new jobs across member countries.
During the session, Donny Ardiwidha, first secretary for political affairs at the Indonesian Embassy, presented a talk titled “The Strength of D-8 Countries in Global Competition.”
He highlighted the strategic geographical positions of D-8 member states, saying they are located along three major trade routes: the Strait of Malacca, the Suez Canal and the Bosphorus Strait.
Another presentation was delivered by Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma, coordinator for information, social and cultural affairs at the Indonesian Embassy. He outlined Indonesia’s chairmanship for 2026-2027 and highlighted its central theme, “Navigating Global Shifts: Strengthening Equality, Solidarity, and Cooperation for Shared Prosperity.”
Under Indonesia’s leadership, the organisation will prioritise economic and trade integration, the halal economy, blue economy and green transition, connectivity and digital transformation, and institutional reform. Kusuma also announced a session on Palestine for the upcoming D-8 Summit. The event marked the second session in a broader discussion series under Indonesia’s chairmanship.
