Canadian meat industry welcomes Canada-Indonesia free trade agreement
CMC has long supported securing meaningful market access in the Indo-Pacific, including Indonesia and Southeast Asian Nations FTAs. Since Canada’s exclusion from China, CMC’s CEO has proactively advocated for new beef market access, leading engagements with Indonesian government officials and key stakeholders in Jakarta since 2022.
This agreement will enhance our industry’s competitiveness and open new avenues for growth. Indonesia, with its population of 279 million and GDP of nearly $1.9 trillion, offers significant potential for Canadian meat exporters.
We commend the inclusion of a robust Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Chapter, which is enforced by the Agreement’s dispute settlement mechanism and the creation of an ongoing SPS Dialogue to allow transparency and prevent SPS requirement from becoming non-tariff barriers.
Moving forward, it will be essential to ensure that market access requirements, including halal certifications, and industry food safety audits are addressed promptly to facilitate commercially viable access. The Canadian Pork Council remains eager to find ways to serve this market as well with high-quality Canadian pork, all while respecting cultural traditions.
The CEPA includes provisions that align with our industry’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. By fostering more trade and better trade, the CEPA will contribute to building resilient supply chains, which are crucial in today’s volatile global market.
The CMC looks forward to the swift implementation of the CEPA and remains committed to supporting the government of Canada in ensuring this agreement delivers tangible benefits for businesses and communities.
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