Indonesia and Brazil Sign MoU to Enhance Cooperation in Agricultural Trade and Biosecurity
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia and Brazil on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and product certification, marking a significant step toward expanding agricultural trade and strengthening biosecurity systems.
The agreement was signed by the Head of the Indonesian Quarantine Agency (Barantin), Sahat M. Panggabean, and Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro. The ceremony took place at the State Palace in Jakarta, witnessed by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
In a statement on Friday, Panggabean described the MoU as a strategic milestone that would foster mutual trust and enhance trade efficiency between the two leading agricultural economies.
“Both sides agreed to strengthen supervision, accelerate certification processes, and ensure safer and more efficient trade in agricultural, livestock, and seafood products,” Panggabean stated.
The partnership aims to boost bilateral relations, reinforce biosafety systems, and broaden market access for both countries’ products. Indonesia is expected to benefit through expanded export opportunities to Brazil, technology transfer in SPS standards, and capacity building via joint research and training programs.
According to Panggabean, the collaboration will also promote transparency and efficiency in international trade through digital systems, while reinforcing Indonesia’s role in global SPS forums.
He emphasized that the agreement is consistent with the World Trade Organization’s SPS Agreement, which establishes international health and safety standards for trade in food, animals, and plants.
To ensure effective implementation, both countries will establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) to develop and periodically update a joint work plan.
The signing highlights Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening national biosecurity, enhancing the competitiveness of its quarantine commodities, and consolidating its position in international policy discussions on SPS measures and standards.
