ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Uruguay’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Cristina González, has called for stronger cooperation with Indonesia in biosecurity and quarantine systems to accelerate trade flows and expand access to South American markets.
The call was made during a meeting in Jakarta with Head of Indonesia’s Quarantine Agency (Barantin), Abdul Kadir Karding, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing collaboration in sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, agricultural biosecurity, and digital trade facilitation.
The discussions underscored Uruguay’s role as a potential strategic gateway for Indonesia into the broader South American market through the MERCOSUR framework, with SPS harmonization seen as a critical foundation for expanding exports of Indonesian agricultural, fisheries, and forestry products.
“We see strong potential to deepen our cooperation with Indonesia. Strengthening collaboration in quarantine and biosecurity will support more efficient trade and deliver mutual benefits for both countries,” Ambassador González said during the meeting on July 3, 2026.
Key initiatives discussed included the development of a bilateral SPS Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), finalization of technical protocols for caviar exports, and a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for fisheries products to streamline cross-border trade procedures.
Both countries also agreed on the importance of advancing digital transformation in quarantine systems through integrated electronic certification platforms, including e-Cert and e-Phyto, connecting Barantin with Uruguay’s Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP). The system is expected to improve transparency, reduce clearance times, and strengthen traceability across supply chains.
In addition, the two sides explored the establishment of a joint early warning mechanism to detect and respond to plant pests and animal diseases in real time, reinforcing biosecurity safeguards while ensuring smoother trade continuity.
The proposed cooperation is also expected to open new opportunities for Indonesian ornamental plant exports to Uruguay, facilitate citrus imports from Uruguay, and promote a more balanced and diversified bilateral trade portfolio.
Barantin Head Abdul Kadir Karding said quarantine cooperation has evolved into a strategic pillar of modern trade architecture.
“Quarantine cooperation is no longer just about border control. It is now a strategic instrument for building trust, expanding market access, and ensuring safe and sustainable trade,” he said.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing confidence that enhanced institutional cooperation will translate into concrete trade outcomes, positioning Uruguay as a key gateway for Indonesia’s deeper engagement with South America. (AT Network)
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