In a dynamic effort to enhance Korean food exports and build stronger ties with Indonesian importers, the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) has introduced an extensive support program that provides Indonesian businesses with essential resources to import Korean food products effectively. This program is structured to help with various aspects of the import process, from facilitating customs clearance and localization of product labeling to offering significant financial subsidies for registration with Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM). It also offers guidance for securing halal certification, which is essential for meeting Indonesian market demands.
Lee Seung Hoon, the Chief Representative of the Korea Agro-Trade Center (aT Center) in Jakarta, emphasized that this program represents Korea’s commitment to supporting foreign businesses as they introduce Korean food products to the Indonesian market. Lee explained that this initiative addresses many of the logistical and regulatory hurdles that importers often face. By reducing these barriers, the aT Corporation aims to increase the global competitiveness of Korean products while creating a smoother process for Indonesian importers. “This program is designed to provide each importer with resources and consultations specifically tailored to their needs, allowing for a more efficient and streamlined localization process,” Lee stated, underscoring the program’s adaptability.
The program offers a considerable financial subsidy, with the potential to cover up to 80% of import-related costs. Each company can receive up to 200 million won annually (equivalent to around 2.5 billion Indonesian rupiah) in assistance, an amount that significantly lowers the financial barriers for Indonesian businesses interested in importing Korean food products. This financial support plays a critical role in enabling both established companies and smaller businesses to bring Korean products to Indonesia without absorbing the full financial impact of regulatory compliance. The flexibility of this subsidy opens doors for a wide range of companies to participate in the program, ultimately expanding the availability of Korean products to Indonesian consumers.
The program also emphasizes the importance of halal certification, a requirement that has grown in prominence in Indonesia. By supporting the SIHALAL certification process and assisting with Korean halal certifications through agencies like the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF) and the Korean Halal Authority (KHA), the aT Corporation is ensuring that Korean products meet the local standards that are crucial to consumer trust. This approach is instrumental in allowing Korean food products to gain traction in Indonesia, where halal certification can determine the marketability of a product.
Through this initiative, the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation aims to strengthen Korean food brands’ presence in Indonesia by building long-lasting trade relationships and providing resources that make market entry smoother for foreign importers. The invitation extended to Indonesian businesses signals Korea’s dedication to fostering international trade, and it demonstrates an awareness of the regulatory and consumer needs unique to the Indonesian market. This approach not only opens new avenues for Korean food products but also lays the groundwork for sustainable trade partnerships that will benefit the food industries in both Korea and Indonesia.
