Depok: South Korea and Indonesia have reached an agreement to strengthen their collaboration in the area of halal certification, aiming to assist Korean companies in entering the Indonesian market, as announced by Seoul's drug ministry.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of South Korea and Indonesia's Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency, known as BPJPH, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This agreement was made during the Halal Summit 20, which began in Depok, Indonesia, on the same day.
Halal certification is a verification process ensuring that products, ingredients, and manufacturing procedures comply with Islamic law. Indonesia, being one of the largest halal markets globally, is expanding the range of products that require mandatory halal certification. Starting next month, foods and cosmetics will also be required to meet these certification standards.
The agreement follows a previous decision between South Korea and Indonesia to enhance their bilateral relationship to a "special comprehensive strategic partnership," a move that was made during President Lee Jae Myung's official visit to Indonesia in March, as stated by the drug ministry.