Industry Minister Expands Indonesia's Halal Industry Development with Kyrgyzstan

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita is expanding cooperation for the development of Indonesia’s halal industry through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic. Speaking in Ekaterinburg, Russia, on Monday, Minister Agus emphasised that the development of the halal industry is a priority that must be pursued optimally, given that global market demand for halal products continues to rise annually. He stated that this cooperation is expected to strengthen the competitiveness of the national halal industry while opening wider market access for Indonesian halal products globally. “Specifically for Kyrgyzstan, we signed a halal cooperation agreement. We certainly welcome this because the development of the halal industry in Indonesia must not be done half-heartedly; it must be all out, as the world market potential for absorbing halal products is increasing every year,” he said. Through the MoU signed on the sidelines of INNOPROM 2026, both countries agreed to strengthen, develop, and promote the halal industry through various mutually beneficial activities. The two nations will also share experiences in training and improving the competence of human resources in the halal industry sector. The agreement also includes the promotion of halal products and services from both countries, the organisation of joint seminars and symposiums, and the development of other forms of cooperation agreed upon in writing. In its implementation, the cooperation will be realised through the facilitation of mutually beneficial joint projects and the development of government and private sector partnerships, including joint investment in the halal industry sector. Furthermore, Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan will organise reciprocal visits to support the exchange of expertise, discussions, training, seminars, and conferences. Both countries will also strengthen promotion through participation in exhibitions, business forums, and other joint activities in the halal industry sector. The Minister expressed confidence that the collaboration will further strengthen Indonesia’s position as a key player in the global halal industry while expanding export opportunities for national halal products, particularly to the Eurasian region. “This cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in the context of halal will open up wider opportunities to introduce halal products in the Eurasian region,” said Minister Agus.