MALAYSIA READY TO SHARE EXPERTISE IN PALM OIL INDUSTRY WITH AFRICAN COUNTRIES

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar
KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is ready to share its expertise
in the development of the palm oil industry with the African countries
participating in the Langkawi International Dialogue (LID) 2011.

Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister, Bernard Dompok, said if
there were countries interested and asked for help, Malaysia was always ready
to talk to them.

He said interested countries could work closely with the Malaysian Palm Oil
Board (MPOB), a government agency responsible for the development, promotion and
regulation of the industry in Malaysia.

"They can exchange knowledge on the discovery and latest technology related
to sustainable development of the palm oil industry, best farming practices,
sustainable production, branding and certification," he told Bernama on the
sidelines of the 16th Asia Oil and Gas Conference here Monday.

Currently, he said, his ministry and agencies involvement were guided by the
participation of local companies operating oil palm plantations in Africa such
as Congo, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The delegates attending the LID, which will be held in Putrajaya beginning
June 18, is also scheduled to visit MPOB in Bangi.

Malaysia currently accounts for 39 per cent of world palm oil production and
44 per cent of world exports.

Last year, Malaysia exported palm oil and palm oil products worth RM4.39
billion (US$1.46 billion)), an increase of 40.7 per cent compared with RM3.12
billion (US$1.04 billion) in 2009.

Major palm oil products exported included palm oil, palm kernel oil,
oleochemicals, finished products and biodiesel.

Malaysia will be hosting the LID for the ninth time this year.

It will be held at Putrajaya International Convention Centre for three days
from June 19.

LID is an international dialogue among developing nations, which among
others, deliberate on poverty issues.

Malaysia last hosted the LID in Langkawi in 2007.