Indonesia Eyes Expanded Manufacturing Exports to Morocco, North African Markets
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia is seeking to expand exports of its manufactured products to the Mediterranean and North African markets by strengthening trade and industrial cooperation with Morocco, with both countries exploring deeper economic ties across several strategic sectors.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Industry Faisol Riza said Morocco’s strategic location as a gateway to North Africa and the Mediterranean presents significant opportunities for Indonesia to broaden market access for its industrial products while fostering partnerships in future-oriented industries, including aerospace, the halal industry, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy.
Riza said Indonesia is encouraging the establishment of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Morocco to reduce tariff barriers and improve the competitiveness of Indonesian manufactured goods in regional markets.
He noted that, in addition to facilitating exports, the proposed cooperation would help Indonesia secure supplies of strategic industrial raw materials such as phosphate and aluminium, which are essential for the country’s manufacturing sector.
Indonesia and Morocco have maintained diplomatic relations since 1956, providing a strong foundation for expanding bilateral economic and industrial cooperation. Jakarta views the partnership as an important step toward enhancing the competitiveness of its manufacturing industry while deepening economic engagement with Africa and the wider Mediterranean region.
Indonesia’s exports to Morocco have continued to grow, with major products including vegetable oils, rubber and rubber products, footwear, textiles, machinery, electrical equipment, as well as coffee, tea and spices. In return, Indonesia imports fertilisers, aluminium, textiles and other industrial raw materials from Morocco.
Riza also revealed that he recently met with Morocco’s Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Omar Hejira, to discuss avenues for strengthening bilateral industrial cooperation. The discussions resulted in a shared commitment to accelerate collaboration in the rapidly expanding halal industry.
A key milestone in this cooperation was the signing of a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on halal certification in May 2026 between Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) and the Moroccan Institute for Standardization (IMANOR).
The agreement is expected to facilitate the entry of Indonesian halal products into the Moroccan market by eliminating the need for duplicate certification procedures, while creating new opportunities for investment and the development of the halal industry in both countries.
As part of the follow-up to this cooperation, Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry has invited Morocco to participate in Halal Expo 2026, scheduled to be held in September. The ministry expects Morocco’s participation to strengthen business networks, connect industry stakeholders from both countries and create new opportunities for investment and trade in halal products.
