Kadin Explores Cattle Business Possibilities with Mercosur
12 October 2016 13:34 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) will strengthen trade and investment ties between Indonesia and South American countries, particularly in a cattle business. The subject was set forth in a memorandum of understanding signed by Kadin chairman Rosan P. Roeslani and the president of Mercosur-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce (MACC) Rodolfo Caffaro Kramer.
Mercosur is a sub-regional bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela and Bolivia, which was formed to promote free trade and free movement of goods, people, and currency. “One of Paraguay’s potentials is cattle. Because apparently, they are the world’s sixth largest exporter [of cattle]. We can improve cooperation in the field,” Rosan said at Kadin office on Tuesday, October 11, 2016.
Uruguay Foreign Minister Rodolfo Nin Novoa said that it was his first visit to Indonesia. Therefore, he will try his best to attract Indonesian investors.
Novoa said Indonesian investors have a good opportunity to invest in Uruguay’s halal industry. Including in halal slaughterhouse for cattle, which will be exported to Indonesia, he said.
Uruguay is one of the gateways for Indonesian leading products to South American market, particularly furniture products, handicrafts, processed foods, and beverages as well as consumer goods. The value of bilateral trade between Uruguay and Indonesia in 2015 was US$45.63 million. Whereas throughout January to July 2016 it reached US$32.9 million.
Novoa said Indonesia could become the market for Uruguay’s dairy products and meat. However, Uruguay is still in the process of obtaining halal certification for such products.
Meanwhile, Paraguay’s Ambassador to Southeast Asia Cesar Esteban Grillon added that Paraguay has had its meat halal-certified in the past five years. He said Paraguay’s cattle production last year reached 300,000 tons, some 55 percent of which were exported to Russia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
Grillon said that Paraguay’s cattle products have yet to enter Indonesian market since Indonesia only receives meat supply from New Zealand and Australia. He is hopeful that that Paraguay can enter Indonesian market, boasting its high quality and low price.
