Indonesia seeks cooperation with Morocco, boost exports to N Africa

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Ministry of Industry is seeking to expand exports of the country's manufactured products to the Mediterranean and North African markets by exploring closer trade cooperation with Morocco.

"Morocco holds a strategic position as a gateway to North Africa and the Mediterranean region. We see significant opportunities to leverage this advantage to broaden market access for Indonesian industrial products while strengthening partnerships in future-oriented sectors such as aerospace, the halal industry, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy," Deputy Minister of Industry Faisol Riza said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He said the initiative includes encouraging the establishment of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to reduce tariff barriers and enhance the competitiveness of Indonesia's manufacturing industry.

In addition to lowering tariffs and improving the competitiveness of Indonesian manufactured products in the Mediterranean market, the proposed cooperation is intended to help secure supplies of strategic industrial raw materials, including phosphate and aluminum.

Indonesia and Morocco have maintained relations since 1956, providing a strong foundation for expanding bilateral economic cooperation.

Indonesia views the partnership as an opportunity to strengthen the competitiveness of its manufacturing sector while expanding economic ties with Africa and the surrounding region.

Bilateral trade potential is supported by growing Indonesian exports to Morocco, including vegetable oils, rubber and its products, footwear, textiles, machinery, and electrical equipment, as well as key commodities such as coffee, tea, and spices.

Meanwhile, Indonesia imports fertilizers, aluminum, textiles, and various industrial raw materials from Morocco.

Riza said he had met with Morocco's Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Omar Hejira, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral industrial cooperation.

The meeting also produced a joint commitment to accelerate cooperation in the halal industry.

The commitment was reflected in the signing of a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on halal certification between Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) and the Moroccan Institute for Standardization (IMANOR) in May 2026.

The agreement is expected to facilitate the entry of Indonesian halal products into the Moroccan market without requiring repeated certification procedures, while creating new opportunities for investment and the development of the halal industry in both countries.

As a follow-up to strengthening halal industry cooperation, the Ministry of Industry has invited the Moroccan government to participate in Halal Expo 2026, scheduled to be held in September.

The ministry expects Morocco's participation to expand business networks, connect industry players from both countries, and create greater opportunities for investment and trade in halal products.

Related news: Indonesia, Morocco discuss implementing halal certification pact

Related news: Indonesia, Morocco explore cooperation through traditional music

Related news: Govt picks Morocco as hub for African market

Translator: Bayu Prasetyo

Editor: Azis Kurmala

Copyright © ANTARA 2026