Starting OECD Ministerial Meeting, Meet Minister Airlangga, New Zealand Trade Minister Regards Indonesias Importance to OECD

Jakarta, INTI - In a bilateral meeting held during the OECD Ministerial Meeting, Minister of Coordinating Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto met with New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay. During the meeting, New Zealand expressed its support for Indonesia's accession to the OECD. The New Zealand Trade Minister also regarded Indonesia's entry into the OECD as bringing added value to both Indonesia and the OECD itself. Minister Airlangga conveyed Indonesia's commitment to integrate transformation policies into the OECD Accession Roadmap. Indonesia also requested concrete support from New Zealand to expedite the accession process.

Minister McClay also appreciated the excellent trade and economic relations. He congratulated Indonesia on its successful chairmanship of ASEAN last year, emphasizing the importance of RCEP to New Zealand.

Regarding bilateral issues, both parties hoped that each government could continue to deepen trade efforts, especially for horticultural products such as fruits. It was acknowledged that imports of certified fruit products from Indonesia contributed to product diversification for the people of New Zealand. On the other hand, both parties agreed that barriers to market access for horticultural products need to be addressed concretely. In this regard, Indonesia provided updates on quarantine aspects of the new import regulations. Minister Airlangga also mentioned the potential increase in demand in Indonesia, considering the upcoming government program of free milk distribution.

The meeting also discussed the development of the Halal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Indonesia and New Zealand signed an MoU between BPJPH and MPI New Zealand, as well as a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with three Recognized Halal Certification Bodies (LHLN) of New Zealand in November 2023. This MoU is a significant step forward in facilitating the entry of halal products from New Zealand into the Indonesian market.

Both ministers also agreed to intensify cooperation within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and New Zealand will support Indonesia in the process of joining the CPTPP to expand market access beyond the Indo-Pacific region.
During the meeting, Minister Airlangga was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Trade, the Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, the Deputy for International Economic Cooperation Coordination, and the Assistant Deputy for Economic Cooperation in the Americas and the Pacific.

Keywords: INTI, INTI2024, Intimedia,  OECD Ministerial Meeting, Minister Airlangga Hartarto, New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay, Indonesia's OECD membership, bilateral trade cooperation.