Teresa to lead palm oil mission to EU and Switzerland

PETALING JAYA: Primary Industries minister Teresa Kok will be leading a palm oil mission to the European Union (EU) and Switzerland from Sept 28 to Oct 6.

The trip, to cover Berne and Geneva in Switzerland, Madrid in Spain and Brussels in Belgium, is part of Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to promote palm oil and palm-based products to key markets, as well as to address anti-palm oil sentiments in the region.

Teresa and delegation members are tasked to provide clear and accurate information to stakeholders with regard to the EU Renewable Energy Directive II (EU RED II) including issues on alleged deforestation, indirect land use change and subsequent market access of palm oil derived biofuels into the EU. Her delegation comprises ministry officials, members of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Malaysian Palm Oil Council and Malaysian Palm Oil Certification Council.

In Switzerland, Kok will convene bilateral meetings with Councillors from the Federal Council of Switzerland and hold a Malaysian Palm Oil Roundtable Dialogue in Bern. She and her delegation will meet trade experts and representatives of palm oil producing countries at the World Trade Organisation to discuss issues and developments on palm oil and possible collaborations.

Total trade in palm oil and palm oil based products between Malaysia and Switzerland was recorded at RM53.5mil (US$12.4 mil) in 2017. Export of palm oil and palm oil based products to Switzerland was valued at RM25.5mil (US$5.9 mil).

In Madrid, Spain the Minister will give a keynote address at the European Palm Oil Conference (EPOC) 2018 and speak on recent developments in sustainable palm oil policies and operations in support of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Malaysia.

Teresa will also attend the European Palm Oil Alliance (EPOA) Expert Panel and is scheduled to address members of the Spanish Alliance of Palm Oil and Spanish Biodiesel Association at a separate forum. Spain has emerged as one of the largest importers of palm oil, especially for its renewable energy needs.

She wraps up the mission with bilateral meetings with the European Commission and the Council of EU in Brussels. She will also discuss developments in palm oil and the EU RED II legislation, besides possible collaborations between Malaysia and the EU for a solution for all.