JAKARTA (Bernama-Antara): The Indonesian Trade Ministry discussed cooperation opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of Indonesian halal products in the Australian market with the Global Australian Halal Certification (GAHC).
Trade Minister Budi Santoso highlighted the robust growth of the halal product market in Australia, emphasising that Indonesia needs to strengthen its competitive edge.
"In addition to discussing cooperation opportunities, we are committed to improving the competitiveness of our halal products in the Australian market as part of our efforts to encourage exports," the minister noted in a statement from his office on Friday.
During the meeting, Santoso outlined a three-pronged approach to boost the competitiveness of Indonesian halal products in the Australian market.
This strategy encompasses providing global standard halal certification to expand access to the export market; enhancing the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to meet international halal standards; and facilitating the marketing of halal MSMEs in Indonesia and abroad.
The minister noted that Australia ranks as the 18th largest destination for Indonesian halal product exports.
During the 2019-2023 period, Indonesian halal product exports to Australia grew by 7.15 per cent, reaching US$515.27 million in 2023.
"We estimate the Australian halal product market will continue to expand by 6.1 per cent for the next 10 years, with a projected value reaching US$26 billion in 2034," the minister remarked.
He also highlighted that global demand for halal products is on an upward trajectory, with a growth rate of 9.13 per cent and a projected world import value reaching US$591.96 billion by 2034.
Santoso stated that the government has encouraged the export of Indonesian halal products by providing halal certification for cosmetic products and related ingredients for small and medium enterprises.
Other initiatives include facilitation at various cosmetic and food and beverage products (F&B) exhibitions.
Moreover, the government has promoted various halal cosmetic products, halal F&B, and fashion at various international exhibitions, such as Beautyworld Middle East Dubai, Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, Malaysia International Halal Showcase, Manila Food & Beverage Expo, ISM Middle East Dubai, Foodex Japan, and China International Import Expo.
GAHC is one of the Overseas Halal Institutions (LHLN) based in Australia that is dedicated to fostering the global halal industry's growth and supporting the activities of the Indonesian diaspora in Australia.
GAHC has been accredited in Indonesia through the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH) and in Australia through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
GAHC serves a wide range of industries, including abattoirs, food companies, raw materials, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and logistics processing. - Bernama-Antara
