Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia explores agricultural and aquaculture cooperation with Vietnam to solidify their positions in Southeast Asia, according to Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Teten Masduki.

During a meeting with the chairperson of the People's Committee of Vietnam's Dak Lak province, Hyim Kdoh, on Friday, Masduki said that the two countries have an important role in the agricultural and aquaculture sectors in the region.

"We are open to collaborating with Vietnam to enhance the quality and quantity of agricultural and fishery products in both countries," he said in a statement from his ministry.

He said that Indonesia and Vietnam will explore the potential for cooperation in agriculture and aquaculture business modernization through digitalization, as well as research and development to improve the quality and competitiveness of agricultural and fishery products in the global market.

The two countries will also collaborate in the development of business models and partnerships in fisheries and agricultural supply chains in the region.

Masduki also said that several commodities are being developed in Indonesia, such as seaweed, shrimp, eel, palm oil, coconut, red ginger, rice, fruits, bamboo, and rattan. Vietnam is focusing on developing barramundi fish, shrimp, and lobster.

Agricultural commodities such as durian, mango, and jackfruit are widely grown in Indonesia; thus, there are promising cooperation opportunities for Indonesia and Vietnam, he said.

"The Indonesian government's current policy is to encourage the downstreaming of natural resource-based products, including agricultural and aquaculture commodities. There are several leading commodities being cultivated in both countries; this is good for cooperation and improving production quality," he added.

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Translator: Shofi A, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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