The Government of Canada paid a visit to the official residence of the Minister of Religious Affairs of Republic Indonesia. They came to discuss a collaboration on halal product assurance and educational matters. The meeting took place amicably at the Widya Chandra Complex in Jakarta. Also present was the Minister of Trade, Small Business, Export Promotion, and International Trade of Canada, along with her delegation. Accompanying Minister Yaqut were the Head of the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH), the Special Staff of the Minister, and Expert and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. This meeting is a follow-up to the previous one in 2022. At that time, Mary Ng visited the Ministry of Religious Affairs and met with the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs.
 
Minister Yaqut expressed his hope that Indonesia and Canada could come to an agreement in establishing a collaboration on halal product assurance. He urged the Head of BPJPH to promptly follow up on this matter for swift realization. What's important is what The Ministry can assist Canada with, and vice versa for Indonesia. Because the standards of each country are certainly different. Starting in 2024, no foreign products will be allowed to enter Indonesia without halal certification. This is a form of the country's protection for the public, and The Ministry hopes our products will also be facilitated to enter Canada. After discussing the enhancement of halal assurance, Indonesia and Canada also plan to collaborate in the field of education. On that occasion, The Minister mentioned that Indonesia has four million students (santri) originating from Islamic boarding schools (pondok pesantren). Indonesia has four million santri whom we encourage to study abroad, including in Canada. The issue of education is also crucial, and both countries can mutually exchange and promote in the field of education. On the same note, Mary Ng expressed gratitude to the Minister of Religious Affairs and his team for the meeting. She also hoped that this collaboration would be realised soon.
 
Source: https://www.detik.com/hikmah/khazanah/d-6889406/indonesia-kanada-akan-jalin-kerja-sama-jaminan-produk-halal/amp