Source: South Africa News Agency
The Republic of Indonesia has extended South Africa’s recognition status which enables the country to export horticultural products through Jakarta Port of entry until 11 April 2021.
The initial recognition was granted by the Indonesian Authority on the 11 April 2016, and is due to expire on 10 April 2018.
The extension follows an application by Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Senzeni Zokwana on 27 July 2017 for an extension of the recognition of South Africa’ Food Safety Control Systems.
His counterpart in Indonesia, Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman decreed the extension.
Minister Zokwana made the decision to apply for an early extension to avoid interruption of South African export of horticultural products to Indonesia.
The extension granted is in respect of 14 horticultural products, namely, apples, apricots, cherries, citrus fruits, grapes, grapefruit, lemons, nectarines, oranges, peaches, pears, pomelos, plums and prunes.
Minister Zokwana noted that the extension will translate into the mentioned exported agricultural commodities being subjected to monitoring only, instead of the conducting of verification inspections and checks on each and every consignment exported to Indonesia.
Furthermore, exporters will be allowed to use the Port of Jarkata, Tanjung Priok, which is closer to the main Jarkata market, thus reducing transport costs and preventing a loss in quality of the exported produce.
“Expanding exports is one of the department’s strategic priorities in both the regional and international arena. Forging good relations with international counterparts plays a vital role in achieving this strategic priority. We want to encourage exporters to make the most of this opportunity,” the Minister said.
The Minister thanked the industry and the continued cooperation received from the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation.
The Indonesian Authority also expressed its appreciation of South Africa’s continuous efforts to guarantee that horticultural products exported to Indonesia are safe and fit for human consumption. – SAnews.gov.za