ASIATODAY.ID, KARACHI — Indonesia and Pakistan are entering a new phase of economic cooperation by forging an Asian spice trade alliance aimed at accelerating bilateral trade growth in 2026. The commitment was underscored during The Indonesia–Pakistan Trade Forum: Business Pitching Online Meeting held on January 6, 2026.
The forum was organized by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Karachi, in collaboration with Indonesia’s Directorate for Primary Product Export Development at the Ministry of Trade, as part of a broader strategy to expand the reach of Indonesian spice and agricultural products into the South Asian market.
The event was led by Mudzakir MA, Consul General of Indonesia in Karachi, together with Dr. Miftah Farid, Director for National Export Development, and conducted in a hybrid format. Pakistani business leaders attended in person at the Indonesian Consulate in Karachi, while Indonesian exporters joined virtually via Zoom.
“Indonesia and Pakistan may be geographically distant, but when it comes to spices, we speak the same language,” the Consul General said in his opening remarks.
“Cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper are not merely commodities—they are integral to our shared culinary traditions, cultures, and daily lives.”
The forum highlighted Karachi’s strategic role as a regional trading hub, while reinforcing Indonesia’s position as one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality spices. Beyond product presentations, discussions addressed the practical realities of international trade, including logistics, shipping costs, and port procedures.
Four Pillars of the Trade Alliance
Participants agreed on several strategic priorities as the foundation for future cooperation:
– Long-term partnerships, moving beyond one-off transactions toward sustainable trade built on consistent quality and reliability.
– Risk management, encouraging trial orders and controlled volumes to build mutual trust between new partners.
– Clear product standards, with precise specifications agreed upon early to avoid regulatory and compliance barriers.
Active facilitation, with the Indonesian Consulate reaffirming its role as a professional and accountable business facilitator.
While the forum facilitated dialogue and potential contracts, its primary objective was to cultivate long-term professional relationships.
“Success is not measured solely by signed deals, but by the new connections and future opportunities created,” the Consul General emphasized.
Broad Business Participation
On the Indonesian side, participants included PT Mata Gunung Altazor (East Java & Co), Pepper Trail, Bumdesma Mitra Lada Bersatu, PT ISGroup Agri Global, the Indonesian Tea Board, PTPN, PT Melania, National Kerinci Spice, and the Indonesian Farmers’ Cooperative (Koperasi Punggawa Tani Indonesia), along with exporters of dried ginger, turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, nutmeg, and cloves.
Pakistani participants represented Marium International Kalodi Group, Selani n Selani, Ghani and Sons, Maac International, Rauf Traders, Raheel Impex, and Lala Enterprise.
The meeting concluded with an agreement on concrete follow-up steps, including the exchange of product samples, one-on-one business communications, and detailed negotiations on product specifications, payment terms, and trade arrangements.
With open dialogue and a long-term outlook, the Indonesia–Pakistan spice alliance is expected to strengthen regional supply chains and deliver a significant boost to bilateral trade throughout 2026. (AT Network)
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