The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesia has signed a landmark halal cooperation agreement on halal products with New Zealand to boost trade ties and unlock new opportunities for the Oceania nation’s red meat and dairy sectors, the New Zealand government announced on June 16.
According to New Zealand's Minister of Agriculture and Trade Todd McClay, Indonesia, with its population of 280 million and rapidly growing middle class, imported over 1.1 billion NZD (664 million USD) in New Zealand dairy and meat products last year.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
McClay stressed that this marks another step forward in his country’s plan to boost economic growth by increasing exports and delivering higher returns for New Zealand’s farmers and processors.
The agreement is expected to further enhance New Zealand's reputation for premium and high-quality food products in the Indonesian market, experts said.
The agreement was inked as Indonesia tightens its Halal certification regulations. Under the Southeast Asian country’s law, most imported and domestically distributed consumer products are required to have Halal certification by th🌊e end of 2026꧒. This poses a significant challenge for New Zealand exporters if certification processes are not harmonised./.
Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia said the Singaporean government has long expressed its desire to establish a clean energy supply from Indonesia as well as Carbon capture and storage (CCS) services.
The cooperation between Indonesia and New Zealand covers several fields, including economy, trade, investment, and education. In the economic sector, the ministers agreed to encourage more balanced and sustainable trade to achieve the bilateral trade target of 6 billion NZD (3.62 billion USD) by 2029.
Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso on January 15 sent off export consignments of welded beam steel, measuring 1,200 metric tonnes and valued at 1.5 million USD, to New Zealand, reported the country’s national news agency Antara.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.
