Morocco and Indonesia push ahead with preferential trade agreement and halal cooperation

Moroccan State Secretary for Foreign Trade Omar Hejira met with Indonesian officials in Jakarta to accelerate a preferential trade agreement (PTA) and deepen economic ties between the two nations. The talks covered a wide range of sectors, including agro‑food, fertilizers, renewable energy, logistics, textiles and pharmaceuticals, and emphasized Morocco’s role as a production and export hub for Africa and Europe.

Both sides also agreed to advance a mutual recognition agreement on halal certification, building on the May 2026 MRA signed by Indonesia’s BPJPH and Morocco’s IMANOR. The agreement aims to simplify market access for Moroccan food, cosmetics and other products in Indonesia’s large Muslim market. Indonesian trade minister Dyah Roro highlighted that Indonesia offers “access to the ASEAN market of more than 680 million consumers,” while Morocco seeks to use its geographic position and trade networks to reach African and European markets.

The accelerated negotiations are part of Morocco’s broader strategy to diversify its partners beyond Europe, targeting Southeast Asia’s growing economies. A planned visit by the head of Indonesia’s halal agency to Morocco in September will further cement the partnership.