Indonesia-Saudi Arabia Establish Halal Product Guarantee Cooperation

The signing of the memorandum of understanding for cooperation on the guarantee of halal products in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (ANTARA/HO-Kemenag)

JAKARTA - The Food and Drug Administration of Halal Product Guarantee (BPJPH) of the Ministry of Religion and the Food Authority of Saudi Arabia agreed to cooperate in the field of guaranteeing halal products.

Head of BPJPH Aqil Irham explained that the memorandum of understanding of cooperation between the two institutions was signed on the sidelines of the visit of Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the Yamamah Palace, Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia.

Aqil said the memorandum of understanding of the cooperation between the BPJPH and the Sadudi Foodand Drug Authority (SFDA) includes efforts to develop regularity assessment procedures, standard specifications, and technical regulations for the issuance of halal certificates.

The cooperation agreement between the two institutions also includes the recognition and acceptance of halal certificates issued by BPJPH and SFDA for products exported by the two countries as well as exchange experiences and knowledge in the field of training, research, and laboratory analysis of halal products.

"With the synergy of guaranteeing halal products between BPJPH and SFDA, it will certainly have great positive implications for strengthening the halal ecosystem of each country," said Aqil as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, October 20.

According to him, the cooperation agreement will also strengthen the contribution of halal products in improving the economy of the two countries.

BPJPH and SFDA share the understanding that cooperation is valid for two years from the time it is signed and can be extended according to the agreement of both parties.

Aqil said that Indonesia is trying to strengthen its role in the global halal product ecosystem in order to realize the goal of becoming the largest global halal hub in the world.