M'SIA AND INDONESIA COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABLE PALM OIL PRODUCTION

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Indonesia, which account for
over 90 per cent of the world's palm oil production, today reiterated that they
were committed to sustainable production of edible oil which does not
contribute towards environmental degradation.

Both countries undertook various measures, including encouraging the
industry to participate in the business-to-business initiative on certification
of sustainable production of palm oil under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm
Oil (RSPO).

They said this in a joint statement in conjunction with the three-day Joint
Malaysia-Indonesia Ministerial Mission to the United States led by Plantation
Industries and Commodities Minister Bernard Dompok and Indonesian
Commodities and Agriculture Minister Dr Suswano.

The three-day mission, beginning May 24, was aimed at addressing the
concerns of both countries over the negative image palm oil had in the United
States.

Palm oil is an important pillar in the agriculture sector for both
countries, having lifted millions of people out of poverty and providing
employment for over 15 million Indonesians and one million Malaysians.

At the meeting, Malaysia and Indonesia were also able to convey the correct
facts related to oil palm production and that both countries would continue to
undertake joint activities to address the unsubstantiated negative publicity.

-- BERNAMA