Jakarta (ANTARA) - Trade Minister Budi Santoso and his New Zealand counterpart, Todd McClay, explored cooperation in the agriculture sector to support Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program.

The two held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 2025 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Jeju, South Korea, on Thursday.

"Indonesia appreciates New Zealand's commitment to supporting the MBG program through agricultural and horticultural cooperation," Santoso said, according to a statement released by his office here on Friday.

During the dialogue, the minister also urged New Zealand to broaden access to its markets for Indonesian micro, small, and medium enterprises.

He expressed hopes of securing New Zealand's backing for the creation of a working group to support Indonesia's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

He added that the working group is expected to become a platform for discussions surrounding key aspects, such as trade of goods, trade of services, and investment.

The minister expressed confidence that becoming a party to the CPTPP would help Indonesia strengthen its connection with the international trade ecosystem and implement progressive trade policies.

Additionally, Santoso conveyed his gratitude to New Zealand for supporting Indonesia's accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

He sought Wellington's technical support for the ongoing accession stage of policy review and legal instrument adoption, which is targeted to be completed in 2027.

"The Indonesian government remains committed to stepping up its economic ties with New Zealand and other nations to achieve national development goals," he said.

Meanwhile, Minister McClay welcomed Indonesia's keen interest in collaboration and assured Santoso that his country is ready to strengthen bilateral bonds.

Expressing confidence in New Zealand's agricultural strength, he said that collaboration in the sector could help Indonesia solidify its food security and improve the nutritional status of its people.

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