MIRI: The Sarawak government has always welcomed international business events that are good avenues for the palm oil industry players to congregate.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg believes the presence of local and international experts could make the Palm Oil Technology and innovations Expo 2019 (Palmex) into a good platform to figure out more ideas and solutions to address the challenges and issues faced by the palm oil industry.
Abang Johari’s text of speech was read out by Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin yesterday morning during the launch of the expo at Miri Indoor Stadium.
Palmex 2019 (the seventh edition) which will end today, displays nearly 80 brands of products from over 10 countries including the country’s major palm oil producers.
“The sharing of knowledge and experiences by the experts will result in more improvements and increase the sustainability of the palm oil industry,” said Abang Johari.
He was positive that the event would help promote Sarawak as a well-known destination for those in the palm oil industry to meet one another in order to keep abreast of the latest and most relevant developments.
Abang Johari praised NRG Exhibitions (M) Sdn Bhd for their efforts in organising the expo here.
He reckoned that the growth of the palm oil industry will bring enormous benefits to the players as well as the local communities that nurture it.
Therefore, he said, it is important for the players to include local communities in their development and expansion programmes that are meant to benefit all parties.
He also urged all the players to continue working together to promote the use of palm oil in the rest of the world.
In recent years, oil palm growth has expanded to South Asia apart from Malaysia and Indonesia which currently produce more than 80 per cent of the world’s palm oil.
Presently, palm oil is one of the least expensive and most popular oils worldwide. It accounts for one-third of global plant oil production.
Hence, he said, it is important for Sarawak to continue to highlight the natural goodness and benefits of palm oil to the world so that it is well received in the years to come.
Also present at the launching were acting deputy Secretary Sarawak Ik Pahon, Miri City Mayor Adam Yii, Kenny Yong and group CEO Fireworks Trade Media Group and NRG Exhibition (M) Sdn Bhd and Dai Lieng Trading Sdn Bhd managing director Michael CL Tiong.
