PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Minister of Agriculture, Andi Amran Sulaiman, officially welcomed Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Heath MacDonald, at the Ministry’s headquarters in South Jakarta. This marks MacDonald’s first official overseas visit since taking office, with Indonesia as his inaugural destination—highlighting the country’s strategic importance in Canada’s Indo-Pacific agricultural diplomacy.
During the bilateral meeting, both ministers explored opportunities for deeper cooperation amid global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, and the looming threat of food insecurity. Minister Amran emphasized the importance of mutually beneficial partnerships to strengthen both national and global food resilience.
A key focus of the discussion was the effort to increase Indonesia’s crude palm oil (CPO) exports to Canada. Indonesia currently ranks as the second-largest CPO exporter to the Canadian market, but the government is aiming for the top spot.
“We are pushing for Indonesia to become the leading CPO exporter to Canada. The goal is a win-win partnership,” said Minister Amran, a sentiment warmly welcomed by Minister MacDonald.
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Beyond palm oil, both countries expressed interest in expanding collaboration in the livestock sector—particularly in dairy development and live cattle trade—as well as enhancing the transfer of modern agricultural technologies. Canada also reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering trade ties with Indonesia, including through the implementation of the recently agreed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Minister MacDonald stated that Canada is committed to building a stronger, strategic partnership with Indonesia.
“Current global geopolitical dynamics offer a unique opportunity to deepen trade relations with Indonesia, strengthen our friendship, and advance sustainability in the agricultural sector,” he said, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from the official website of the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture, Thursday, July 31, 2025.
In 2024, Indonesia’s agricultural exports to Canada totaled over USD 222 million. Leading exports included rubber (USD 115.4 million), cocoa (USD 58.2 million), coffee (USD 29.5 million), and pineapples (USD 5.8 million). These figures reflect the significant potential for future cooperation between the two nations.
This bilateral engagement marks a major milestone in forging a resilient and strategic agricultural partnership between Indonesia and Canada. It also aligns with Indonesia’s broader vision of transforming its agricultural sector into a more modern, sustainable, and inclusive system.
Prior to this, Minister Amran also welcomed Australia’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, Julie Collins. That meeting focused on potential collaborations in securing food supply stability, enhancing knowledge and technology exchange, and supporting Indonesia’s agricultural transformation agenda. (P3)
