Jabar Ekspres – Indonesian Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan signed four Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) aimed at harmonizing trade regulations between countries in Southeast Asia to reduce export-import barriers.
“These are all signed to reduce barriers and improve facilities in the trade sector,” Zulhas said on the sidelines of the 55th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Meeting in Semarang, Central Java, Sunday.
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The four MRAs are the first ASEAN Framework Agreement on Mutual Recognition Arrangements (AFA MRA). This framework, said Zulhas, would be a legal umbrella for mutual recognition of the assessment aspects carried out by a country.
“The second MRA, the ASEAN Food Safety Regulatory Framework Agreement (AFSRFA), is for comprehensive food safety in the region,” Zulhas said.
AFSRFA, said Zulhas, will be the basis for harmonizing international standards and regulations in the region such as standards in food supervision. This is expected to reduce trade barriers in food products.
Third, the MRA on ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangements for Building and Construction Materials (MRA BCM). This MRA, said Zulhas, is a mutual recognition of building and construction materials assessment certification in ASEAN.
“This MRA will also reduce additional costs and ensure good product quality,” he said.
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The fourth MRA is the Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Sectoral Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Inspection of Manufacturers of Medicinal Products. The MRA is a mutual recognition for manufacturing and medicinal products in ASEAN.
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Zulhas explained that the four MRAs will increase economic integration in ASEAN.
“We are already so close to ASEAN, it has been a long time, we already have RCEP, but we are still like each other,” he said.