PALMOILMAGAZINE, KARACHI — Indonesian products are steadily expanding their footprint in Pakistan, finding growing space on the shelves of Imtiaz, one of the country’s largest and most successful modern retail chains. With outlets spread across major cities, Imtiaz has become a primary gateway for imported goods and a strong representation of Pakistan’s evolving retail landscape.
The strengthening presence of Indonesian brands was highlighted during a store visit by Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Trade, Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, who reviewed the visibility of Indonesian products at an Imtiaz outlet in Karachi on Saturday (10/1).
“Imtiaz is a strategic partner for Indonesia in reaching end consumers in Pakistan. The prominent placement of Indonesian products on Imtiaz shelves reflects the market’s confidence in the quality and competitiveness of our goods,” Roro said in an official statement quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com on Sunday (25/1/2026). “This trust also reinforces Indonesia’s reputation as a reliable supplier that meets quality, sustainability, and halal standards.”
Also Read: Indonesia Expands Palm Oil Ties with Pakistan into Downstream Investment
During the visit, Roro expressed appreciation to Imtiaz Group for consistently marketing a wide range of Indonesian products, from palm oil and its derivatives to food and beverages, household items, and personal care products.
She also encouraged the retailer to further expand both the variety and volume of Indonesian products across its nationwide network. Beyond retail placement, Roro invited Imtiaz to explore deeper forms of cooperation, including direct sourcing, long-term supply contracts, and potential exclusive partnerships with Indonesian producers.
To support these initiatives, she reaffirmed the Indonesian government’s readiness—through the Ministry of Trade, the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad, and the Consulate General in Karachi—to facilitate business matching, supplier introductions, and technical assistance. Imtiaz was also encouraged to undertake business visits to Indonesia to identify new product opportunities aligned with Pakistan’s market demand.
Imtiaz Group Director Kashif Imtiaz said Indonesian products have earned strong acceptance among Pakistani consumers thanks to their quality and suitability for local preferences. He expressed optimism that demand for Indonesian food, household products, and other consumer goods would continue to grow, and called for broader access to Indonesian suppliers to diversify Imtiaz’s offerings.
Waheed Group Plans Dedicated Jetty to Support Indonesian Palm Oil Imports
Prior to the Imtiaz visit, Roro held talks on Thursday (8/1) with Waheed Group in Karachi, one of the largest importers of Indonesian palm oil in Pakistan. The group is active in manufacturing, importing, and distributing vegetable oils, including crude palm oil, RBD products, and RBD olein. Its business portfolio also spans food-industry chemicals, electrolytic tin plates, and compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure.
Meeting with Waheed Group Chairman Abdul Waheed, CEO Awais Karni, and Director Faad Waheed, Roro conveyed appreciation for the company’s role in strengthening palm oil trade between Indonesia and Pakistan.
Also Read: Pakistan and Indonesia Deepen Ties as Palm Oil Trade Anchors Bilateral Relations
According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade, Waheed Group imported Indonesian palm oil worth USD 383.55 million in 2025, totaling 290,530 tons. The company, a recipient of the Primaduta Award in 2019, has been among Indonesia’s top palm oil importers in Pakistan for more than a decade.
During the discussion, Waheed Group outlined plans to invest in a dedicated jetty to support palm oil imports from Indonesia. The facility is expected to improve logistics efficiency and streamline unloading operations, as Indonesian palm oil currently commands around 70% of Pakistan’s vegetable oil market.
Indonesia Assures Stable Palm Oil Supply Despite Expanding Biodiesel Program
On the same day, Roro met with Pakistan Edible Oil Conference (PEOC) CEO Rasheed Jan Mohammad, reaffirming Indonesia’s commitment to maintaining a stable palm oil supply to Pakistan, even as Jakarta strengthens its domestic biodiesel mandate through B30 and preparations toward B50 in 2026.
Indonesia’s B30 program requires a 30% palm-based biodiesel blend with conventional diesel, and the planned expansion is part of a long-term national energy strategy. Roro emphasized that the policy would not disrupt exports.
“Indonesia continues to improve palm oil governance to maintain balance between domestic needs and exports. With strong production capacity, rising productivity, and effective stock management, export supply will remain stable, predictable, and sufficient, including for strategic partners such as Pakistan,” she said.
Rasheed underscored Indonesia’s strategic importance to Pakistan, noting the country’s heavy reliance on Indonesian palm oil. PEOC, he said, hopes to see expanded import opportunities, backed by assurances of sustainable and reliable supply.
CEPA Push Opens Broader Trade and Healthcare Service Opportunities
Roro’s engagements continued on Friday (9/1) with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in Karachi. She welcomed strong interest from Pakistani businesses in deepening collaboration and referred to follow-ups from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Pakistan in December 2025, which is expected to accelerate talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Such an agreement, she said, could unlock broader cooperation, including in services trade such as healthcare, medical professionals, and medical equipment.
“Trade between Indonesia and Pakistan is built on friendship, trust, and mutual respect. This foundation allows multiple sectors to grow sustainably in both countries,” Roro said. “We hope the commitments made by both presidents in their joint statement last December can be implemented effectively and deliver tangible benefits.”
FPCCI representative Ibrahim Tawwaf echoed the sentiment, describing Roro’s visit as an important momentum to reinforce bilateral commitment in advancing cross-sector business cooperation, including opportunities in healthcare services.
The series of meetings highlighted Indonesia’s strategy to deepen its trade partnership with Pakistan—strengthening logistics infrastructure, securing supply of strategic commodities such as palm oil, and expanding Indonesian product access all the way to modern retail channels. (P2)
