KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- Minister of Primary Industries, YB Teresa Kok will be attending the Globoil 2019 Conference in Mumbai, India from 25th to 27th September 2019 and thereafter lead a delegation to Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia as part of the Palm Oil Economic and Promotion Mission from 28th September to 4th October 2019. Teresa Kok will be accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Primary Industries, Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC).

During the Globoil 2019 Conference, Mumbai, Teresa Kok will be delivering her keynote speech while sharing her views on trade and challenges faced by Malaysia in exporting palm oil, particularly to India. The conference will be attended by representatives from the Indian oils and fats industry as well as other major producers. Earlier in July, Teresa Kok attended the Palm Oil Trade Fair and Seminar (POTS) 2019 in Mumbai, India. This, being her second visit to Mumbai in a short span of 3 months reflects the importance Malaysia places on the collaboration and trade with India on palm oil. Teresa will also witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) with the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) and Solidaridad Network Asia Limited (SNAL).

For the Mission to the East African countries, Teresa is expected to convene a bilateral meeting with her counterparts and relevant stakeholders including trading partners in the Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. The mission is part of the ongoing effort undertaken by Malaysia to strengthen bilateral trade relations and commitments with these African countries. This mission also aims to disseminate clear and accurate information to important stakeholders in Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia on the discriminatory trade barriers and issues affecting palm oil trade as well as strengthening business networking and exploring new market opportunities.

Currently, Kenya is one of the biggest importers of Malaysian palm oil and palm-based products in Africa. In 2018, Kenya imported 243,887 metric tonnes of palm oil and palm-based products from Malaysia, amounting to RM614.1 million. Meanwhile, in 2018, Tanzania imported 204,802 metric tonnes of palm oil and palm-based products from Malaysia, amounting to RM556.2 million. Oleochemicals products from Malaysia is expected to capture a bigger market in Tanzania in the near future. On the other hand, Ethiopia imported 149,435 metric tonnes of palm oil and palm-based products valued at RM 457.17 million.

Ministry of Primary Industries Malaysia
24th September 2019

SOURCE : Ministry of Primary Industries

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name : Mohd Hilmi bin Mohd Ali
Tel : +603-88803325 / +6016 2058311
Email : hilmihajiali@mpi.gov.my

--BERNAMA