Indonesia and New Zealand strengthen cooperation on quarantine measures to boost bilateral trade

The Indonesian Quarantine Authority (IQA) and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have formalised an important partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoA) aimed at enhancing cooperation on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and certification matters. The signing ceremony took place in Auckland, underlining the commitment of both nations to strengthen bilateral trade relations through streamlined agricultural trade protocols (9/7).

The signing of the Memorandum was accompanied by the signing of several key documents:

Electronic Certification (e-Certification) Agreements: Both parties have agreed to implement electronic certification systems to facilitate smoother and more efficient business processes, reducing paperwork and administrative burdens.

Indonesian fresh fruit and vegetable export plan to New Zealand (pineapples): Both sides have agreed to open up new opportunities for Indonesian fresh fruit and vegetable exporters in the New Zealand market. In particular, fresh pineapples can now be exported to New Zealand following the agreed export plan. More Indonesian fresh fruit and vegetables are expected to be produced in the future.

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Agreement on the implementation of phytosanitary requirements for exports of fresh onion bulbs from New Zealand to Indonesia: Comprehensive agreements have also been defined for the export of onions from New Zealand to Indonesia, ensuring compliance with Indonesian phytosanitary requirements by applying a system approach to mitigate biosecurity risks during onion production in New Zealand.

The signing ceremony was attended by Sahat Manaor Panggabean, Head of the Indonesian Quarantine Authority, and the Honourable Todd McClay, New Zealand Minister for Primary Industries, reflecting the high-level commitment of both governments to foster agricultural trade relations.

“This MoA marks a significant milestone in our bilateral relations with Indonesia,” said Todd McClay, New Zealand’s Minister for Primary Industries. In response, Sahat Manaor Panggabean, Head of Indonesia’s Quarantine Authority, said: “By harmonising our sanitary and phytosanitary measures and implementing electronic certification, we are not only facilitating trade, but also ensuring the safety and quality of agricultural products traded between our nations.”

Both parties have agreed to open new opportunities for Indonesian exporters of fresh fruits and vegetables in the New Zealand market.

The ceremony was also attended by HE Fientje Maritje Suebu, Indonesian Ambassador to New Zealand, who thanked the two institutions for their consultation and collaboration. Increasing quarantine facilitation is very important to achieve more balanced bilateral trade.

The MoU will pave the way for increased trade volume and economic cooperation between Indonesia and New Zealand, benefiting farmers, exporters and consumers in both countries.