Indonesia, Singapore strengthen halal trade ties
Jakarta, Aug 9 (ANTARA) - Indonesia and Singapore have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Halal Product Assurance to enhance halal product trade between the two countries.
Head of the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH) Muhammad Aqil Irham and Chief Executive of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) Kadir Maideen signed the MoU on Thursday in Singapore.
"Praise God, the two parties have signed the MoU on Halal Product Assurance," Irham noted in a statement from his office on Friday.
He affirmed that synergy between the halal authorities of Indonesia and Singapore is important, considering that the two countries have long collaborated in various fields, including product trading activities.
Indonesia and Singapore are also members of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore Ministers of Religious Affairs Forum, or MABIMS.
"This MoU is important to increase the volume of exports and imports of Indonesia and Singapore in a mutually beneficial manner, especially the volume of halal product trade," he remarked.
Irham explained that the MoU aims to strengthen, advance, and develop cooperation regarding halal product quality assurance.
He remarked that the scope includes cooperation between the two institutions in the field of halal certification and halal logos based on equality and mutual benefit in accordance with the laws, regulations, and national policies in force in their respective countries.
"This is also to welcome the first phase of halal certification obligations to be implemented in October 2024 for food products, beverages, raw materials, food additives, auxiliary materials for food and beverage products, as well as products in services and slaughter meat," he stated.
Meanwhile, MUIS Chief Executive Kadir Maideen stated that the synergy between BPJPH and MUIS Halal Product Assurance is an important step to strengthening cooperation between the two institutions.
"This cooperation will ensure that halal products are consistently certified through high standards to assure halal quality, which is necessary for ensuring the availability of halal products for consumers," Maideen remarked.
