The Indonesian Trade Ministry has initiated talks with the Global Australian Halal Certification (GAHC) to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesian halal exports and products in the Australian market.
Trade Minister Budi Santoso underscored the importance of tapping into Australia’s expanding halal product market. “In addition to exploring cooperation opportunities, we are committed to enhancing the competitiveness of our halal products to boost exports,” he stated in an official release on Friday.
Santoso detailed a threefold strategy to achieve this goal: obtaining global-standard halal certifications to broaden export market access, empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to meet international halal standards, and facilitating marketing efforts for halal MSMEs locally and internationally.
Australia is currently the 18th largest importer of Indonesian halal products. Between 2019 and 2023, exports in this category grew by 7.15 percent, reaching $515.27 million last year. The halal market in Australia is projected to grow by 6.1 percent annually over the next decade, potentially reaching $26 billion by 2034.
Globally, demand for halal products is also on the rise, with an expected growth rate of 9.13 percent. By 2034, the global import value of halal goods is forecasted to reach $591.96 billion.
To bolster exports, the Indonesian government is actively supporting halal certifications for MSMEs, particularly in cosmetics and food and beverage sectors. Indonesian halal products are showcased at international exhibitions, including Beautyworld Middle East Dubai, Foodex Japan, and the China International Import Expo, among others.
The GAHC, accredited by Indonesia’s Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH) and Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is key to supporting the halal industry. Its services span various sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and logistics, while also supporting the Indonesian diaspora in Australia.
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