Director General of International Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono, emphasizes the significance of the D-8 Business Forum in fortifying trade relations among member countries. "I believe this forum will help identify ways to address various challenges faced by the business world and lead to practical solutions," Djatmiko stated in Jakarta on Tuesday. Organized by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), in collaboration with the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), IKA Unpad, Nigella World, and the D-8 Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), the forum provides a vital platform for economic cooperation. The D-8 consists of Indonesia, Bangladesh, Iran, Malaysia, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey, all of which are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This organization aims to enhance the position of developing countries in the global economy, create new trade opportunities, increase participation in international decision-making, and improve living standards.
Djatmiko also stressed the importance of continuously identifying future trade challenges within the D-8. "This effort can be made by exchanging ideas and thoughts through the D-8 Business Forum," he noted. He highlighted the implementation of the D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), which aims to significantly boost trade by 2030. Indonesia has already seen a USD 4.5 million increase in exports since implementing the D-8 PTA. Shinta Widjadja Kamdani, Deputy Chairperson of Kadin Indonesia, reiterated Kadin's full commitment to the forum, emphasizing gender equality and women's leadership. Irawati Hermawan, Chair of the D-8 Business Forum Committee, added that the event saw participation from the heads of the chambers of commerce of D-8 countries and special guest Secretary General Ambassador Isiaka Abdulkadir Imam, who praised the organization of the forum and hoped for similar events in other D-8 nations.
