Indonesia Invites Brazil to Invest in Sugar Industry

The government has invited Brazil to invest in Indonesia’s agriculture sector, especially in the development of the sugar industry.

Possible investment in sugar has become one point of discussion between Indonesian Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman and his Brazilian counterpart, Tereza Cristina, here on Monday.

Sulaiman said, “as the world’s largest sugar producer Brazil could invest and transfer its technology, especially in the field of sugar processing.”

“We discussed issues about sugar plants. Brazil’s Agriculture Minister has said she would be open to sharing experiences in sugar processing and ready to help Indonesia. We know that Brazil is the world’s largest sugar producer. They are eager to transfer their knowledge to Indonesia,” Sulaiman said.

In addition to the sugar industry, the government has also asked Brazil to open its market for Indonesian agriculture products, such as mangosteen and salak (snake fruit).

“They have opened the chance for us to export six types of strategic commodities.There is no limitation on which commodities could be exported to Brazil,” he added.

During the meeting, the two ministers agreed that Brazil would accept exports of Indonesian commodities, such as snake fruit, swallow bird’s nests, and pineapple, along with other commodities.

“The most important thing is that our agricultural products will be accepted. Up until now, Indonesian exports to Brazil had touched US$0.3 billion per year, most of it contributed by palm oil,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian Agriculture Minister has asked Indonesia to open its market to the country’s beef exports.