The report said Arief Prasetyo Adi had said the decision to buy from Pakistan was due to lower prices compared to India. Indonesia imported water buffalo meat from India last year.

Indonesia aimed to import 180,000 metric tons of beef and 100,000 metric tons of water buffalo meat in 2025, the report said.

In 2021, the Southeast Asian country also imported 80,000 tonnes of water buffalo meat from Pakistan. The decision was taken in view of possible higher demand during Ramazan and Eid celebrations.

Last week, Pakistan won the global battle over Basmati rice ownership against India.

Both New Zealand and Australia recognised Basmati as a Pakistani product while a similar decision from the European Union was also expected in Pakistan’s favour.

International trade experts and historians proved that Basmati originates from Pakistan’s Hafizabad district. Pakistan’s Basmati rice is known for its superior aroma, quality, and competitive pricing.

The country’s rice exports have surged to $4 billion, positioning it as a dominant player in the $27 billion global rice market.