Jakarta (ANTARA) – The governments of Indonesia and Yemen established a partnership in halal product assurance to strengthen the global halal ecosystem and expand bilateral trade.The partnership was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Jakarta on Thursday, July 30.Indonesian Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) Head Ahmad Haikal Hasan said in a statement released on Friday that the collaboration represents a strategic move to boost mutual recognition and trust in each country's halal system.Additionally, the agreement is expected to open up broader trade opportunities for Indonesian and Yemeni halal products.Hasan added that the cooperation marks a key milestone in expanding Indonesia's halal trade with Middle Eastern countries, emphasizing that Indonesia must play a larger role as a global halal producer rather than remaining a consumer market. “Through this MoU signing, we can show that more Indonesian halal products can reach markets in Gulf countries and other Arab nations. Indonesia holds immense potential to become a globally competitive halal producer,” he said.He further noted that strengthening international cooperation in the halal sector is part of Indonesia's strategy to build global trust in domestic products.As demand for halal products continues to rise, halal is no longer seen merely as fulfilling religious requirements for Muslims, but has evolved into a universally recognized quality standard.Therefore, Hasan highlighted that international cooperation in halal product assurance serves as a vital instrument to expand market access while boosting product competitiveness.Yemeni Ambassador to Indonesia Salem Ahmed Abdulrahman Balfakeeh stated that the MoU holds both strategic and historical significance for relations between Indonesia and Yemen.The partnership, he said, reflects both nations' shared determination to elevate bilateral ties while underscoring the deep historical bonds that unite Yemen and Indonesia.Balfakeeh expressed optimism that the collaboration will deliver tangible benefits for the business sectors in both countries, particularly by streamlining halal certification processes, boosting market confidence, and facilitating halal trade flows.