Indonesia, Chile strengthen SPS cooperation to expand farm trade

Indonesia and Chile have announced plans to deepen their collaboration on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) matters to boost agricultural trade between the two countries. The agreement was reached during a meeting held in Jakarta on Friday, where officials from Indonesia’s Quarantine Agency (Barantin) and Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture discussed ways to enhance cooperation in areas such as SPS information sharing, electronic certification, risk assessment, inspections, and laboratory capabilities. The meeting was led by Barantin Secretary Shandra Hanitiyo, who co-chaired the session alongside Chilean Agriculture Undersecretary Francisco Venezian. Their discussions were based on the framework established by a memorandum of understanding signed in Chile in 2025 regarding quarantine measures and certification cooperation. This agreement aims to ensure that both nations meet their respective health and safety standards while promoting seamless cross-border trade in agricultural products. Hanitiyo highlighted the growing significance of SPS cooperation as part of the broader economic relationship between Indonesia and Chile, which is supported by the Indonesia-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IC-CEPA). According to data from the Trade Ministry, bilateral trade between the two nations reached $277.4 million in the first half of 2026, with Indonesia recording a trade surplus of $162.2 million. In 2025 alone, Indonesia exported goods valued at $440.8 million, contributing to a total bilateral trade volume of $534.9 million. Barantin noted that Indonesia maintained a surplus in its trade of animals, fish, and plants with Chile in the previous year. Salmon oil, imported from Chile, serves as a key ingredient in fish feed used to support the country’s aquaculture sector. The agency stressed the need to uphold stringent standards for animal and plant health, as well as food safety, to fully leverage the existing trade opportunities between the two nations. Venezian expressed appreciation for the cooperation between his ministry and Barantin, calling the partnership vital for reinforcing bilateral ties and ensuring the safe movement of agricultural and fishery products. During the meeting, he and Barantin’s deputy for plant quarantine signed the Phytosanitary Requirements Protocol, which facilitates the export of fresh fruits from Chilean regions free of fruit fly pests to Indonesia. Barantin has indicated that it will work toward translating this cooperation into tangible technical projects. These include the development of electronic certification systems, the exchange of expertise in biosecurity practices, and the monitoring of pests and plant diseases. Additionally, efforts will focus on enhancing the skills and knowledge of personnel working in these fields. The agreement comes amid ongoing efforts by both countries to expand their economic ties. Recent reports indicate that Indonesia has secured potential export opportunities totaling $104,000 through business matchmaking activities with Chilean partners. Other developments show that Indonesia is also seeking closer cooperation with Uruguay to increase commodity exports. This strengthened SPS cooperation marks another step forward in the evolving trade relationship between Indonesia and Chile, with both sides committed to upholding high standards while expanding market access for agricultural and fishery products.