Indonesian Mangosteen Bound For Australia

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Indonesian mangosteen has finally gained access to the Australian market after six months of bilateral negotiations.

"Some negotiations with regard to the market access were also done when Indonesian Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan met with Australian Trade Minister Craig Emerson in Canberra on October 12 this year," the Trade Ministry's director-general for international trade cooperation, Iman Pambagyo, said in a press statement here on Friday.

"Although mangosteen consumption in Australia is not too high, the access to the Australian market is a diplomatic achievement, as the country has strict quarantine regulations," he noted.

According to Iman, the acceptance of the fruit in Australia proves that Indonesian food and fruits have met international standards.

"This achievement is expected to be a milestone for Indonesia, which will support efforts to export our tropical fruits export to other trade partners that have strict quarantine laws," he said. (IGT/T007)