Malaysia to strengthen palm oil trade ties with China
China accounted for 10% of Malaysia's total palm oil export value last year.
PETALING JAYA : Malaysia is hoping to unlock new commercial opportunities in its palm oil sector with a trade visit to China.
Deputy plantation and commodities minister Chan Foong Hin will lead the trip from May 18 to 24.
He will be accompanied by a delegation that includes the ministry's secretary-general, Yusran Shah Yusof, and Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) director-general Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir.
In a statement, the plantation and commodities ministry said the delegation will start its week-long trip in Shanghai, where Chan will officiate the 20th anniversary of the MPOB's Palm Oil Research and Technical Service Institute.
The institute supports research, technology transfer, and product development to boost palm oil use in China.
It works closely with local institutions and industries to promote palm-based products, including food, oleochemicals, and detergents.
The delegation will then visit Chengdu and Chongqing in western China.
The itinerary includes company visits, roundtable discussions with state-owned enterprises, and meetings with local industry players to expand trade networks and promote palm oil use in Chinese cuisine, especially in dishes like mala hotpot.
The delegation will also meet Chongqing government officials to explore broader trade and investment cooperation, particularly in palm oil and other key Malaysian commodities.
'Western China is a growing market with increasing demand for sustainable raw materials, and Malaysia aims to strengthen its presence in the region,' the ministry said.
'The mission reflects Malaysia's commitment to boosting palm oil exports, supporting sustainable growth, and strengthening economic ties with China.'
China is Malaysia's third-largest importer of palm oil and palm-based products, accounting for 10% of Malaysia's total palm oil export value in 2024.
In 2023, exports to China rose by 5.11% to RM10.57 billion. Malaysia held a 26.7% market share of the palm oil imported by China last year.
Last month, plantation and commodities minister Johari Ghani said Malaysia is ready to adjust its palm oil export strategy in response to the tariff measures imposed by the US.
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