"Argentina wields significant strength in the production of animal commodities, notably beef and cattle," Deputy Agriculture Minister Sudaryono told reporters after hosting his Argentine counterpart in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Bearing that in mind, he said, Argentina has expressed interest in exporting beef and cattle to Indonesia to help meet Jakarta's high demand for the commodities.
Although Indonesia is not opposed to the proposal, Sudaryono highlighted the importance of first paying attention to several key matters, including pricing, since the vast distance between the two countries could result in inefficient logistical costs.
He then underlined the need to pursue reciprocal trade opportunities, citing Indonesia's keenness to market its horticultural products, particularly fruits, in the South American country.
Additionally, the deputy minister said he proposed exports of Indonesia's chicken-based products to Argentina to fully capitalize on the ongoing surplus in domestic markets.
Drawing attention to the massive number of Muslims in Indonesia, he underlined the importance of ensuring the halal certification of Argentine beef and cattle imported into the country.
"Our meeting was fruitful, and we encountered no issues. We believe that our countries will strengthen their bond through good trade relations," he said.
Meanwhile, Argentina's Deputy Minister of Agri-Food Markets and International Integration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Agustin Tejeda Rodriguez, informed that his primary mission at the meeting was to pave the way for the entry of Argentine beef into Indonesian markets.
In return, he said, the Argentine government would be ready and willing to help more Indonesian agricultural products penetrate its markets in the hopes of taking the two nations' ties to the next level.
Rodriguez highlighted that Argentina is working toward accelerating administrative processes required for the desired exports, including those concerning halal certification.
He added that the volume of beef exports would depend on Indonesia's decision once all the administrative processes are concluded.
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Translator: Muhammad H, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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