Bali, Timor-Leste explore deal for cattle exports

Denpasar (ANTARA) - Bali Governor Wayan Koster met with a Timor-Leste government delegation in Denpasar to discuss expanding livestock cooperation, including a proposed export of up to 10,000 head of cattle to the neighboring nation, officials said Saturday.

The proposal aims to bolster food security in Timor-Leste while expanding trade opportunities for Balinese cattle farmers, pending technical verification and health assessments.

"However, this figure still requires further verification through data collection and technical studies to determine available stock and ensure compliance with trade requirements," Koster said in an official statement.

Koster emphasized that regional agencies must perform a thorough inventory of export-ready cattle—verifying age, sex, health status, and origin—to protect local livestock populations and secure stable returns for local farmers.

Export logistics must also clear strict regulatory hurdles, including animal health protocols, quarantine clearance, transportation capacity, and international trade approvals between both central governments.

"The requirements include those related to animal health, quarantine, transportation, shipping capacity, administrative procedures, and international trade mechanisms," Koster added.

Beyond cattle trade, the discussions focused on broader agricultural collaboration, including farmer training, breeding technology exchanges, and genetic quality enhancement.

Timor-Leste's State Secretary for Livestock, José Vieira de Araújo, expressed strong interest in partnering with Bali to upgrade farm management standards and build human resource capabilities to support his country's long-term agricultural development.

Translator: Ni Putu Putri, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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