Project Description
Aligning with VISI Indonesia 2045 (Indonesia Vision 2045), the Standardisation and Product Compliance for Virgin Coconut Oil and Spices Short Course was designed to achieve GOI’s development pillar of sustainable economic development by focusing on key international trade priorities, such as acceleration of export growth through the export of high value-added goods and services. Twenty participants from the virgin coconut oil and spices industry joined experts in Australia for an intensive two week program looking at the potential growth for their industries and the process and regulations when importing into the Australian market.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
The participant’s came from across Indonesia, all working in the virgin coconut oil and spices industry in various roles. While in Australia, participants met with retailers including Woolworths, the Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre, government departments including Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Access to site visits and speakers gave participants a new understanding over the Australian market and potential barriers to entering the market.
Outcomes to Date
During the course participants completed an Award Project, applying the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program. Each participant leveraged their newfound insights to refine their products, assess potential improvements, and identify strategies for successfully entering the Australian market. The projects were then presented to course leaders and peers for constructive feedback and evaluation.
Project Significance
The Short Course primarily contribute to SDG 8 ‘Decent work and economic growth’ by strengthening the export competitiveness of Indonesia’s regulators and businesses in the virgin coconut oil and spices sectors. Learning objectives included:
– Understanding the Australian market
– Understanding the Australian regulatory framework and standards
– Understanding Australian quality standards and product compliance
– Understanding the Biosecurity risks and measures
– Understanding the Labelling
– Steps to making products export-ready for Australia
– Forging linkages with Australian VCO & spice stakeholders, including Indonesian diaspora
– Supporting gender equity, disability & social inclusion in outcomes
– Accessing opportunities through IA-CEPA
– Contractual arrangements for Indonesia exporters