Minister Of Agriculture Amran Reveals Cooperation With Peru Is A Momentum For Indonesia To Increase Agricultural Products

Minister of Agriculture Andi Sulaiman accompanied President Prabowo Subianto to meet with the President of the Republic of Peru, Dina Ercilia Bouarte Zegarra, at the State Palace. (Photo: Doc. Ministry of Agriculture)

JAKARTA - Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman accompanied President Prabowo Subianto in a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Peru, Dina Ercilia Bouarte Zegarra, at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday, August 11.

One of the main focuses of the discussion is strengthening cooperation in the field of food security.

Amran said the two countries had implemented an understanding including smart agricultural development, increasing the capacity of human resources, and facilitating market access.

"This momentum is an opportunity for Indonesia to encourage the increase in exports of our superior agricultural products. It is hoped that the relations that are established can encourage mutually beneficial partnerships for the two countries," Amran said in an official statement.

Meanwhile, President Prabowo in his remarks expressed his joy to be able to meet President Dina again after a meeting at the APEC Summit, Peru, last November 2024.

"Your Majesty's visit today marks a new chapter of our friendly relationship, especially in strengthening strategic cooperation in various fields," said Prabowo.

The two countries agreed to increase trade and expand partnerships, including in the food, mining, energy transition, fisheries, and defense sectors. This agreement was also outlined in a joint declaration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Pertemuan tersebut juga menyambut penandatanganan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Indonesia–Peru yang diselesaikan dalam waktu 14 bulan.

Perjanjian ini diharapkan memperluas akses pasar dan meningkatkan nilai perdagangan kedua negara, termasuk di sektor pertanian dan pangan.

Presiden Dina menyebut kerja sama pertanian dan pangan sebagai sektor strategis, mengingat Peru merupakan salah satu pengekspor utama buah segar dan superfood seperti quinoa, chia, dan blueberry.

"Konsumen Indonesia telah menikmati anggur dan quinoa asal Peru, dan saya dengan senang hati mengumumkan bahwa blueberry kini akan masuk ke pasar Indonesia," ujarnya.

The meeting also welcomed the signing of Indonesia's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Peru which was completed within 14 months.

This agreement is expected to expand market access and increase the trade value of the two countries, including in the agricultural and food sectors.

President Dina calls agricultural and food cooperation a strategic sector, considering that Peru is one of the main exporters of fresh and superfood fruit such as quinoa, Chia, and blueberries.

"Indonesian consumers have enjoyed wine and quinoa from Peru, and I am pleased to announce that blueberries will now enter the Indonesian market," he said.