Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesia has signed a landmark halal cooperation agreement on halal products with New Zealand to boost trade ties and unlock new opportunities for the Oceania nation’s red meat and dairy sectors, the New Zealand government announced on June 16.
According to New Zealand's Minister of Agriculture and Trade Todd McClay, Indonesia, with its population of 280 million and rapidly growing middle class, imported over 1.1 billion NZD (664 million USD) in New Zealand dairy and meat products last year.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
McClay stressed that this marks another step forward in his country’s plan to boost economic growth by increasing exports and delivering higher returns for New Zealand’s farmers and processors.
The agreement is expected to further enhance New Zealand's reputation for premium and high-quality food products in the Indonesian market, experts said.
The agreement was inked as Indonesia tightens its Halal certification regulations. Under the Southeast Asian country’s law, most imported and domestically distributed consumer products are required to have Halal certification by the end of 2026. This poses a significant challenge for New Zealand exporters if certification processes are not harmonised./.
Singapore, Indonesia boost cooperation in strategic areas
Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia said the Singaporean government has long expressed its desire to establish a clean energy supply from Indonesia as well as Carbon capture and storage (CCS) services.
