Indonesia, Morocco discuss implementing halal certification pact

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The governments of Indonesia and Morocco have discussed practical measures to strengthen cooperation in halal product assurance following the signing of a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) on halal certification in May 2026.

Head of Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH), Ahmad Haikal Hasan, followed up on the agreement during a meeting on Thursday with Morocco's Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry and Trade in charge of Foreign Trade, Omar Hejira, and Moroccan Ambassador to Indonesia Redouane Houssaini.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Hasan said the meeting was part of efforts to boost bilateral trade, expand market access for halal products, and support the development of the global halal ecosystem.

"This cooperation will not only strengthen the implementation of halal product assurance in both countries but also create mutually beneficial opportunities across multiple sectors while supporting Indonesia's trade balance," Hasan said.

He added that BPJPH has intensified coordination with the Moroccan Embassy in Jakarta following a directive from Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono to accelerate the implementation of the MRA, enhance bilateral trade, and explore broader areas of cooperation.

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Hasan said the agreement holds particular importance for Indonesia because of Morocco's high product quality standards and the strategic relationship between the two countries.

"For that reason, this partnership is expected to expand market access for Indonesian products, strengthen their competitiveness, and contribute to balanced trade between the two countries," he explained.

He also said closer cooperation with Morocco would support Indonesia's implementation of mandatory halal certification, which is scheduled to take effect on October 18, 2026.

"In addition, this partnership will create broader opportunities for investment and trade while promoting the development of the halal industry across various sectors," he remarked.

The meeting was also attended by senior officials from Morocco's Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Moroccan Institute of Standardization (IMANOR), which signed the MRA with BPJPH in Jakarta in May 2026.

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Translator: Arnidhya Nur, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Primayanti

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