Indonesia Grants South Africa ‘Country Of Recognition Status’

Asian export ties were strengthened this past month when the Indonesian Quarantine Agency granted South Africa’s food safety control system ‘Country of Recognition’ status.

This action led to increasing the export potential for South African deciduous fruit. These products include apples, apricots, cherries, citrus fruits, grapes, grapefruit, lemons, nectarines, oranges, peaches, pears, peanuts, plums, pomelos, and prunes.

“This has been a long and complex process and the industry is heartened by this breakthrough,” said Anton Rabe, HORTGRO executive director, on this industry achievement.

“This establishes a new trading regime that will ease the import process and documentation requirements. It also opens up the port of Jakarta as entry point into Indonesia and its main market,” Rabe further expressed.

Rabe also said that this achievement could not have realised without the teamwork from all participating parties. Both in the public and private sector.

“We wish to thank all the officials involved – especially at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) – both in South Africa and at the Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. Our further teamwork will greatly assist in creating a more stable trading regime to grow our exports to Indonesia.”

Lindi Benić, HORTGRO Trade and Market Access Manager, also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of all parties involved. She especially acknowledged Willem Geerlings, Political Counsellor, at the South African Embassy in Jakarta’s, ongoing efforts in this regard.

“The collaborative efforts and hard work from everyone involved towards achieving this ultimate goal has finally paid off and is certainly welcomed and well deserved.”

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