23/08/2023 (Indonesia) - Represented by Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan, Indonesia had signed four mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) to align ASEAN standards in food safety, construction materials, and medicinal products manufacturing.
By doing so, Indonesia aimed to remove non-tariff trade barriers and encourage a smooth flow of goods regionally and globally. Zulkifli, during the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Meeting in Semarang, Central Java, had emphasized the goal to streamline trade in ASEAN, mentioning that the first MRA would serve as a foundation for others in harmonizing ASEAN standards.
He also highlighted the European Union's successful food standards integration as a potential model for ASEAN. Within Indonesia, the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) had overseen food safety.
The third MRA recognized certifications within the ASEAN bloc for building and construction materials. This MRA, Zulkifli noted, would ensure product quality and reduce costs. The final agreement focused on medicinal products' manufacturing practices, updating an existing agreement from 2015.
The MRAs, sealed in an ad referendum manner, awaited other nations' approval for enactment.
The 55th AEM Meeting, attended by over 500 representatives from 10 ASEAN countries, took place from Aug. 17 to 22, discussing topics ranging from trade agreements to RCEP affiliations.