UAE, Indonesia target $5.5bn trade boost after halal deal

By Sam Bridge – Arabian Business

UAE and Indonesia eye significant increase in bilateral trade after signing an agreement to harmonise standards for halal products
An exhibitor displays cosmetic products during the Halal Expo dedicated to the growing halal food industry in Dubai. (GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images)

The UAE and Indonesia are targeting a significant increase in bilateral trade to $5.5 billion after signing an agreement to harmonise standards for halal products.

The Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) signed a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia’s National Standardisation Agency and National Accreditation Committee (KAN), to officially recognise halal certificates issued by KAN, news agency WAM reported.

ESMA director-general Abdulla Abdul Qader Al Maeeni said that the cooperation will help increase bilateral trade between UAE and Indonesia.

Bambang Prasetya, chairman of Indonesia’s National Standardisation Agency, said he is optimistic the agreement will boost Indonesia’s exports to the UAE, especially food and beverages.

“We have about 13 F&B companies that already have a market in the UAE, ranging from instant noodles, biscuits, processed meat products, candy, jelly, cake, as well as flavours and sweeteners,” said Prasetya.

Under the agreement, ESMA will recognise halal certificates issued by KAN and products certified by certification bodies accredited by KAN, based on UAE halal requirements set by ESMA.