Jakarta, Dec. 3 -- The Indonesian government is reviewing the use of the Indonesia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (I-UAE CEPA) to facilitate food supplies for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Trade Zulkifli Hasan said in Jakarta on Wednesday that the CEPA framework could help reduce trade barriers and logistics costs, as Indonesian products can enter the UAE duty-free.

He said the approach could serve as an interim mechanism while Indonesia continues direct negotiations with Saudi Arabia on market access for ready-to-eat food products.

"The agreement with Saudi Arabia is not yet completed. But we already have a CEPA with the UAE. Shipments to the UAE a...