Indonesia is engaged in talks to resume poultry exports to Japan which were suspended in 2004 over avian flu outbreak that affected many local poultry breeders.
The poultry exports, if resumed to Japan, are anticipated to contribute close to $200m to the Indonesian economy.
Following an assessment from Japanese inspectors, Indonesia will begin exporting products, which have already been approved by the local auditors.
Indonesian Poultry Breeders Association (GAPPI) chairman Anton J. Supit was quoted by Jakarta Post as saying that the Indonesian poultry producers could meet standards applied in Japan and had already gained a competitive edge compared to rivals in China or Thailand.
Additionally, Indonesia is expected to supply meat to fast food chain McDonald's Japan, which is seeking an import source after it stopped purchasing chicken from China's Shanghai Husi Food over the sale of expired meat.
According to Indonesia Trade Minister Muhammad Lutfi, the poultry products from Indonesia will also be sold to other Japanese restaurants and retail chains, apart from McDonald's.
