October 23, 2023

Indonesia seeks Brazil's investment in cattle breeding

Indonesia had called on Brazil in early October to invest in its cattle breeding as the country tries to bring down beef prices and strengthen food security.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told her Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira that such cooperation in animal husbandry can strengthen bilateral economic ties. She also called on Brazil to establish a joint vaccine production for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and stressed that food security should become a priority in Indonesia-Brazil relations.

For his part, Vieira said that Brazil will back Indonesia's efforts in building national food security.

As a reliable food stock supplier, the country can extend meat exports to Indonesia, he stated at a press conference.

Earlier this year, Indonesian Chief Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan flew to Brazil in an attempt to diversify Indonesia's meat suppliers.

According to Luhut, Brazil had agreed to not only export beef to Indonesia but also live cattle such as bulls and calves to be bred in the country.

Luhut said the Brazilian cattle will undergo quarantine to make sure the imported livestock is safe from FMD.

- VNA