VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Jakarta - Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo called on the Spanish Government to open market access for Indonesia's horticultural products.

"We propose to immediately form a joint task force to formulate concrete steps to increase the added value and competitiveness of Indonesian horticultural products to dominate the global market," Limpo noted in a statement received here on Tuesday.

In a bilateral meeting with Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Luis Planas Puchades, Minister Limpo proposed to form a joint task force between the two countries to support Indonesian agricultural products entering Spain's market.

He believes that Indonesia and Spain can forge cooperation in numerous fields, such as in facing the global crisis caused by climate change, global geopolitical pressures, and post-pandemic economic recovery.

Limpo is also upbeat that the Spanish government would serve as a gateway for Indonesia's leading agricultural commodities to enter the European Union market.

He guaranteed that Indonesian flagship agricultural products meet the quality standards and sustainability principles set by the European Commission.

"Especially palm oil, cocoa, spices, and tropical fruits. I hope that Minister (Puchades) can help us convince various stakeholders," he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Puchades welcomed the potential collaboration between Indonesia and Spain, considering that agriculture is a key sector that determines the global economic balance.

Spain is the fourth-largest agricultural exporter in Europe and seventh-largest in the world. The country applies technologies, such as seawater desalination and deep water wells, to support the development of agriculture in the desert areas in Almeria.

Puchades noted that technologies have been adopted in the Middle East to support agriculture in deserts.

Moreover, the two ministers agreed to intensify cooperation in the application of greenhouse technology, smart farming, and integrated pest control.

The duo also agreed to strengthen collaboration in the exchange of experts, capacity-building programs, and building a pilot project for technology transfer.

(Antara News)