JAKARTA, April 19 – Malaysia’s Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan held a bilateral discussion with Indonesia’s Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati in Washington, United States, including on Islamic finance and the halal industry.
Their meeting in Washington comes as both ministers led respective countries’ delegations to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group 2024 meetings from April 17 to April 19.
“As neighbouring countries, the relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia has been closely intertwined, from familial ties to economic cooperation and collaboration in customs and excise,” Sri Mulyani said on her Instagram account on Thursday.
During the meeting, the ministers discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in Islamic finance, as they navigate challenging times amid increasing geopolitical tensions.
“We have learned a lot, and many of our Sharia finance experts are graduates of our neighbouring country,” she said.
Stressing the importance of collaboration and technical cooperation to support the rapid growth of the halal industry, she expressed hope that the memorandum of understanding on halal certificate recognition, signed between the two countries previously, could enhance the halal food and beverage trade sector.
On Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN next year, Sri Mulyani assured that Indonesia would fully support the success of the important agenda.
“With excellent cooperation, we will continue to strengthen ASEAN’s position as the bright spot, the shining region!” she added.
