RI Enhances Global Agri-Market Access Through UAE Collaboration
Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – The Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture is working to expand the global reach and competitiveness of the country’s agricultural products by leveraging strategic logistics routes through the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono discussed the initiative with UAE Ambassador to Indonesia Abdulla Salem Al Dhaheri during a meeting at the ministry’s office in Jakarta on Friday (May 16).
“We explored opportunities to boost exports of Indonesian agricultural commodities to the global market through the UAE’s logistics and distribution networks,” Sudaryono said on Sunday.
He noted the UAE’s strategic position as a trade partner and emphasized the strong diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
Sudaryono underlined the need to scale up current collaborations, particularly in export expansion, downstream processing, and investment in agricultural industries.
“We are keen to continue and expand existing initiatives such as meat processing, exports to the Middle East, and market penetration in Africa and Europe,” he said.
The UAE, he added, is a key destination for Indonesian agricultural exports, including poultry, eggs, fruits, palm oil, and cloves. Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recorded a trade surplus of US$499.89 million in the agricultural sector between the two countries in 2024.
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Sudaryono also reiterated Indonesia’s openness to productive foreign investments that create jobs, add value, and strengthen food security.
“Our international partnerships should reinforce Indonesia’s position as a major agricultural player contributing to the global food supply chain,” he remarked.
Ambassador Al Dhaheri welcomed the initiative and highlighted the positive impact of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2022.
“The CEPA has already shown benefits, including a stronger trade balance between the two countries in 2023. There is significant potential to align our interests in the agricultural sector,” he stated.
He also expressed the UAE’s commitment to further invest in Indonesia’s agricultural and livestock processing industries, encouraging deeper collaboration between investors from both countries to realize a shared vision for food security. (BL/Antara)