Indonesia and Morocco Accelerate Halal Product Assurance Cooperation
The partnership between the two countries is expected to expand market access for Indonesian products, enhance the competitiveness of national halal products, and contribute to the trade balance of both nations.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian and Moroccan governments have discussed accelerating the implementation of cooperation in the field of halal product assurance, as a follow-up to the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) signed by the two countries some time ago.
Ahmad Haikal Hasan, Head of the Halal Product Assurance Organising Body (BPJPH), said in Jakarta on Saturday that this step forms part of efforts to strengthen bilateral trade between the two countries, broaden market access for halal products, and support the development of a global halal ecosystem.
“This cooperation not only strengthens the implementation of halal product assurance in both countries, but also opens up mutually beneficial multilateral trade opportunities and supports Indonesia’s trade balance,” said Haikal.
He further explained that accelerated communication with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco was carried out in line with the support of the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Indonesia to expedite the implementation of the MRA, strengthen multilateral trade synergies, and prepare the next bilateral cooperation agenda.
In addition, Haikal said that Morocco is a strategic partner with high quality standards.
“Therefore, the partnership between the two countries is expected to expand market access for Indonesian products, improve the competitiveness of national halal products, and contribute to the trade balance of both countries,” he said.
He added that strengthening Indonesia-Morocco halal cooperation will also support the implementation of the Mandatory Halal policy, or the obligation of halal certification in Indonesia, which will begin on 18 October 2026.
“Furthermore, this opens up wider investment and trade opportunities, and encourages the development of the halal industry across various sectors,” said Haikal.
The follow-up discussions on Indonesia-Morocco cooperation in the field of halal product assurance in Jakarta were also attended by Omar Hejira, Secretary of State to the Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade, and Redouane Houssaini, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Indonesia.
Also present were leaders of halal institutions, including the Institut Marocain de Normalisation (IMANOR), Morocco’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Association Marocaine des Exportateurs (ASMEX), the Fédération Nationale de l’Agro-Alimentaire (FENAGRI), the Agence Marocaine de Développement des Investissements et des Exportations (AMDIE), Morocco Foodex, and a number of representatives from Moroccan industry.