Indonesia opens opportunities for cooperation with New Zealand

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto met New Zealand's Agriculture, Forestry, Trade and Investment Minister, Todd McClay, on the sidelines of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris to open new bilateral cooperation opportunities.

The Indonesian government is striving to increase access to tropical fruit exports, such as pineapples, which have already made successful inroads into the New Zealand market. Other Indonesian horticultural commodities, such as bananas, mangoes, and papayas, are currently in the process of gaining access.

"We hope that New Zealand will open wider market access for Indonesian tropical fruits," Hartarto noted in his statement, Wednesday (June 4).

In 2024, trade between Indonesia and New Zealand was valued at US$1.92 billion. New Zealand's investment in Indonesia also showed a positive trend, reaching US$26 million in 2024.

Both countries have agreed to increase bilateral trade value to 6 billion New Zealand dollars by 2029 through a comprehensive joint action plan.

In addition, the two ministers discussed the impact of the United States' 10 percent universal tariff policy, which affects New Zealand's agricultural and industrial products.

Indonesia responded by initiating intensive dialogue and offering investment packages, as well as cooperation in the energy, agriculture, and strategic technology sectors.

Cooperation in the geothermal energy sector was also promoted through a grant of more than 15 million New Zealand dollars to support clean energy development in Indonesia.

"Similar efforts are being made in the field of halal certification to facilitate the export of halal products," Hartarto noted.

Labor exchange was another key topic of discussion at the meeting. The work visa scheme for Indonesian workers in New Zealand is already in place and its utilization should continue to be improved.

Indonesia and New Zealand are also reviewing the possibility of a Working Holiday program to strengthen social and cultural relations.

At the international level, Indonesia—currently advancing its accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)—has received full support from New Zealand.

This step is expected to accelerate economic reforms and strengthen Indonesia's position globally.

"Indonesia has submitted an Initial Memorandum on June 3, 2025, which is an important step toward OECD accession. We have also submitted a questionnaire for the CPTPP. We hope New Zealand will continue to support these strategic efforts," Hartarto noted.

He affirmed that his meeting with McClay underscored that the relationship between Indonesia and New Zealand goes beyond trade, representing a strategic partnership that continues to grow and is prepared to face global challenges together.

In addition, the two ministers discussed McClay's planned visit to Indonesia in July, as well as preparations for New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's state visit, which had been postponed.