KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 – The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has remained a key export market for Malaysian palm oil, with exports at 2.42 million tonnes or 16 per cent of the nation’s total palm oil exports last year, according to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC).
Chief executive officer Belvinder Kaur Sron said MENA has a population of more than 500 million, and its oils and fats consumption stood at 15 million tonnes, of which 87 per cent is met through imports,
“Palm oil accounted for 30 per cent of the total oils and fats consumption in the region, presenting a significant opportunity for Malaysian exports,” she said in a statement.
As part of its efforts to expand exports of Malaysian palm oil and related products to the region, the MPOC is hosting a delegation of 18 prominent industry representatives from oils and fats companies in Egypt, Turkiye and Algeria as part of its “Trade and Networking Visit for MENA Buyers” programme.
During the three-day visit, members of the delegation will be provided with comprehensive insights into the Malaysian oil palm sector, including information on the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification.
They will also have the opportunity to visit an oil palm plantation and packaging plant to witness the various processes involved in the palm oil production supply chain.
“Additionally, we believe that the business matching session — a highly anticipated segment of the programme — will be instrumental in cultivating valuable partnerships and collaborations between the MENA delegates and Malaysian palm oil exporters.
“We eagerly anticipate a productive session, and trust that this initiative will be a catalyst for fruitful exchanges and lasting connections between our two regions,” she said.
