Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto boasted of Indonesia’s shift from being a rice importer to an exporter at the BRICS gathering in New Delhi, while unveiling Jakarta's appetite for more shipments.
Prabowo and his counterparts from other BRICS economies gathered in the Indian capital for a string of high-level talks this weekend. Leaders of the group’s partner countries, including Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, were also on the guest list.
In Sunday’s session, Prabowo mentioned how Jakarta could play a role in helping feed the world.
“Indonesia for many years was the biggest importer of grain, rice, and maize. Now, we are an exporter. We will be able to increase the support for the entire world. It can make the grain economy an opportunity and strengthen our position in global value chains,” Prabowo told the forum.
He then called on BRICS group of nations to connect and optimize their existing supply chains.
“So this existing strength can become a source of greater value for all of us. Therefore, let me offer something concrete. Let us industrialize together. Let us optimize the resources and capacities that we hold together.”
Indonesia has clinched a deal to sell 1,000 tons of rice — a staple for Asian families — to Malaysia.
Last year, Indonesia also made its first-ever corn exports to the close neighbor. The first shipment weighed about 1,200 tons under a contract to supply up to 50,000 tons of corn.
Indonesia has reached self-sufficiency in both commodities, according to the government.
The BRICS leaders unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration, a 45-page document that had some sections on food supplies. Members backed a plan to set up a grain trading platform. They have agreed to facilitate intra-BRICS trade for agricultural products and food production inputs.
“... [This includes] by promoting resilient and non-discriminatory supply chains, and improving value chains and sustainable agricultural practices,” the joint statement reads.
Prabowo has been willing to import more fertilizers and wheat from BRICS founding member Russia as part of what he called a "complementary" trade.
State-run fertilizer maker Pupuk Indonesia is also planning to set up a production plant in Russia's Vladivostok.
BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group later expanded with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Its newcomer Indonesia has only been in the team for almost two years. They make up more than a quarter of global trade.
Russia has earned the world breadbasket status, while India is also quite the contributor in the global grains market.
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