Indonesia has signed four recognition agreements with certification bodies across Philippines, Mexico and China, to expand its international halal recognition framework.
The agreements were forged with China Halal Certification Shanghai Co., Ltd., Shenzhen One Gate Halal Centre, Halal Development Institute of the Philippines, and Aseguramiento Halal, S.A. de C.V, according to state-owned news agency Antara.
Ahmad Haikal Hasan, head of the Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) said that the move is part of a strategy to strengthen the harmonization of Indonesian halal standards with global trading regions. It also strengthens the compatibility of local halal product assurance systems in the international market.
"Cross-border recognition is important to facilitating the flow of halal products, providing business certainty, and expanding market access for industry players," he said.
The recognition simplifies cross-border trade in halal products by eliminating the need for multiple certification procedures in each importing country, reducing costs, accelerating product distribution times, and increasing industrial competitiveness, Hasan added.
With broader international recognition, BPJPH seeks to develop a halal trade system that is increasingly standardized, transparent, and integrated across countries.
Deputy Ambassador and Consul General of the Philippine Embassy to Indonesia, Gonaranao B. Musor, said the mutual recognition reflects the two countries' commitment to strengthening halal trade cooperation within a government-to-government framework.
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