Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan Iwan Suyudhie Amri reiterated the resolve to further strengthened bilateral ties between the two brotherly countries, especially in the field of agriculture and academia.

Share of Indonesian agricultural sector in GDP is near to the share of agricultural sector to Pakistani GDP. Therefore, enhanced bilateral relations particularly in the fields of agriculture, education and people-to-people contacts will benefit both sides greatly.

Iwan Suyudhie Amri was speaking at the inauguration of Pak-Indonesia Food and Nutrition Festival held at University of Agriculture Faisalabad. The festival was organized by National Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFSAT) UAF in collaboration with Indonesian Embassy. The ambassador also chaired the international conference on palm oil at NIFSAT.

 Faculty of Food, Nutrition and Home Sciences UAF Dean Dr Masood Sadiq Butt and DG NIFSAT Dr Nuzhat Huma spoke on the occasion.

Dean Faculty of Food Nutrition and Home Science Dr Masood Sadiq Butt said that strong ties between Indonesia and Pakistan would help address the common challenges and get benefit from each other experiences. Palm oil benefits include decreasing cholesterol levels, reducing oxidative stress, boosting brain health, slowing progression of heart disease, increasing vitamin A status, and improving skin and hair health.

Dr Basma Ellahi from University of Chester, UK said that palm oil is full of health benefits, stressed upon the people to include it as part of their diet. Rector, The University of Faisalabad, Shoukat Pervez lauded the festival, saying it will help enhance entrepreneurial skills among the students.

Dr Nuzhat Huma said that UAF in collaboration with Indonesia particularly food industry would pave the way for further prosperity of both the countries. The stalls of Indonesian dishes were also set up at the festival.