Indonesia and Chile Explore Enhanced Agricultural and Trade Cooperation

Indonesian Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman recently hosted his Chilean counterpart, Esteban Valenzuela Van Treek, to discuss avenues for expanded agricultural and trade cooperation. The meeting aimed to strengthen food security and exchanged valuable experiences in water resource management, particularly in the face of climate change. Chile's expertise in managing water resources was highlighted as a crucial area for Indonesia to learn from, as the country struggles to address drought challenges triggered by the El Nino phenomenon. The discussion also touched on trade opportunities, including Chile's interest in exporting potatoes, milk, and cattle to Indonesia.

Key Takeaways:

• Indonesia expressed its eagerness to partner with Chile to improve water management for agricultural activities, citing the country's expertise in managing water resources.
• Chile has introduced a variant of paddy that requires only 40% of the water needed by other varieties to flourish, a breakthrough that could help Indonesia achieve its food self-sufficiency goal.
• The two ministers discussed trade opportunities, including Chile's interest in exporting potatoes, milk, and cattle to Indonesia.
• Indonesia agreed to assess its domestic potato production and demand before considering imports, with the country aiming to meet its annual national milk demand of 3.8 million tons by supplementing the limited domestic supply with imports from Chile.
• The ministers also discussed the potential for Indonesia to boost its exports of palm oil to the Chilean market.
• Indonesia and Chile highlighted the importance of mutually beneficial collaboration and agreed to engage in a long-term partnership.
• Chile expressed its support for Indonesia's accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Statistics:

• 14-year drought triggered by El Nino phenomenon
• 40%: the reduced amount of water required by Chile's new paddy variant to flourish, compared to other varieties.
• 3.8 million tons: Indonesia's annual national milk demand that the country aims to meet by supplementing its limited domestic supply with imports from Chile.
• 2019: the year Indonesia ratified the comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Chile through a presidential regulation.

Sources:

• MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
• ANTIK RASAWISATA LEGISLATIF