November 23, 2007

China to lift ban on Indonesian seafood

The Chinese government promised to lift its ban on Indonesian seafood provided that Indonesia would adhere to the quality and safety standards agreed by both countries.

Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister of Trade, said Indonesia had achieved some progress negotiating with Chinese officials on China's ban.

The bilateral meeting with Chinese Quarantine Minister, Lee Chang, took place on the sidelines of the 13th Asean Summit in Singapore yesterday.

Mari explained the ban was imposed due to misunderstanding from both countries about the standard. 

China banned the import of Indonesian seafood since the products were suspected to contain ingredients that could cause cancer.

Mari revealed that China agreed to apply the principle of mutual recognition agreement to Indonesian seafood products. The principle indicates that China is willing to admit Indonesia's product standard, and vice versa.