Latest news with #MSPO2.0
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia eyes Japan market with sustainable palm-based products under MSPO 2.0
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to expand the reach of its downstream and value-added palm-based products to Japan, particularly specialty fats, tocotrienols, red palm oil, and palm biomass-based medium-density fibreboard for housing and furniture applications. In a statement today, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said Malaysia is accelerating its position as a global leader in sustainable commodity certification through the implementation of Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) 2.0, a strengthened standard under the MSPO certification scheme. Recently spotlighted at Expo 2025 Osaka during the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities' (KPK) promotional programme, MITI said MSPO 2.0 underscores Malaysia's commitment to positioning sustainable agriculture as a core pillar of future trade and economic diplomacy. KPK Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said MSPO 2.0 represents Malaysia's firm declaration to the world that the country is serious about transforming its commodity sector in line with global sustainability standards. "We are embedding sustainability at every level, from smallholder farms to export shelves, and raising the integrity of our entire ecosystem. Not only that, we aim for the MSPO model to be replicated across all commodities," he added. During KPK Week at Expo 2025 Osaka, five strategic memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed across key commodity sectors — from palm-based biomass to sustainable pepper, kenaf innovation, and cacao exports — reflecting Malaysia's multi-sectoral push for sustainable, high-value commodity development. MITI added that Malaysia's export credibility received a further boost this week through a newly formalised collaboration between MSPO and AEON Japan, representing a clear step towards enhancing certified product visibility in consumer-facing retail, with MSPO-labelled palm-based products already gaining shelf presence. Meanwhile, MITI said the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), a research and development as well as licensing agency under KPK, has also inked agreements and explored business opportunities for the oil palm agri-commodity sector at the expo to advance trade development in Japan and the wider Asian region. Currently, 86 per cent of Malaysia's palm oil cultivation is MSPO-certified, with the country targeting 95 per cent certification by the end of 2025. Under Budget 2025, RM50 million has been allocated to support MSPO implementation nationwide, including technical assistance, audit support, and traceability tools to help independent smallholders adapt more effectively. Malaysia's participation at Expo 2025 — led by MITI and involving MSPO alongside over 21 ministries and 70 agencies under a unified national narrative — will see the Malaysia Pavilion hosting forums, product showcases, business matching sessions, and MoU signings throughout the 26-week event, positioning the country as a future-ready trade and investment partner. To date, Malaysia has achieved 68 per cent of its RM13 billion target in trade and investment leads for Expo 2025.
Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Eyes Japan Market With Sustainable Palm-based Products Under MSPO 2.0
REGION - CENTRAL > NEWS KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia aims to expand the reach of its downstream and value-added palm-based products to Japan, particularly specialty fats, tocotrienols, red palm oil, and palm biomass-based medium-density fibreboard for housing and furniture applications. In a statement today, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said Malaysia is accelerating its position as a global leader in sustainable commodity certification through the implementation of Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) 2.0, a strengthened standard under the MSPO certification scheme. Recently spotlighted at Expo 2025 Osaka during the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities' (KPK) promotional programme, MITI said MSPO 2.0 underscores Malaysia's commitment to positioning sustainable agriculture as a core pillar of future trade and economic diplomacy. bootstrap slideshow KPK Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said MSPO 2.0 represents Malaysia's firm declaration to the world that the country is serious about transforming its commodity sector in line with global sustainability standards. 'We are embedding sustainability at every level, from smallholder farms to export shelves, and raising the integrity of our entire ecosystem. Not only that, we aim for the MSPO model to be replicated across all commodities,' he added. During KPK Week at Expo 2025 Osaka, five strategic memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed across key commodity sectors — from palm-based biomass to sustainable pepper, kenaf innovation, and cacao exports — reflecting Malaysia's multi-sectoral push for sustainable, high-value commodity development. MITI added that Malaysia's export credibility received a further boost this week through a newly formalised collaboration between MSPO and AEON Japan, representing a clear step towards enhancing certified product visibility in consumer-facing retail, with MSPO-labelled palm-based products already gaining shelf presence. Meanwhile, MITI said the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), a research and development as well as licensing agency under KPK, has also inked agreements and explored business opportunities for the oil palm agri-commodity sector at the expo to advance trade development in Japan and the wider Asian region. Currently, 86 per cent of Malaysia's palm oil cultivation is MSPO-certified, with the country targeting 95 per cent certification by the end of 2025.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Johari Ghani: MSPO 2.0 signals Malaysia's commodity shift
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is stepping up efforts to position itself as a global leader in sustainable commodity certification through the implementation of MSPO 2.0, the enhanced standard under the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) scheme. Sustainability is no longer an option in trade; it is a prerequisite, Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said, noting that MSPO 2.0 is a clear signal of the country's commitment to transforming the commodity sector in line with global expectations. "We are embedding sustainability at every level, from smallholder farms to export shelves, and raising the integrity of our entire ecosystem. Not only that, we aim for that MPSO model to be replicated across all commodities," he said in a statement. As part of this vision, MSPO 2.0 took centre stage at Expo 2025 Osaka, where the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) highlighted Malaysia's dedication to making sustainability a cornerstone of its trade and economic diplomacy. The initiative signals a strategic move to align Malaysia's commodity exports with growing global demand for environmentally and socially responsible sourcing. One key focus is expanding exports of downstream and value-added palm-based products to Japan, including speciality fats, tocotrienols, red palm oil, and biomass-based medium-density fibreboard used in construction and furniture manufacturing. To support this, the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), the R&D and licensing agency under KPK, signed several trade agreements at Expo 2025, targeting enhanced market access for palm oil products in Japan and across Asia. Malaysia's export credibility gained a further boost with the signing of a collaboration between MSPO and AEON Japan, aimed at improving the visibility of certified palm-based products in Japanese retail. MSPO-labelled items are already appearing on shelves, supported by Japan's Global Alliance for Sustainable Supply Chain (ASSC), whose members include major brands such as AEON, Meiji, Ajinomoto, and KAO. The upgraded MS 2530:2022 standard introduces stricter requirements covering deforestation prevention, greenhouse gas emissions, labour rights, and high conservation value (HCV) area protection. These updates bring Malaysia's certification scheme into closer alignment with international ESG benchmarks. With 86 per cent of the national palm oil sector already certified, Malaysia is targeting 95 per cent certification by the end of 2025. To help reach this target, the government has earmarked RM50 million under Budget 2025 to support nationwide MSPO implementation. This includes technical support, audit funding, and traceability tools, especially for independent smallholders, to ensure inclusive participation in sustainable global supply chains. In addition to palm oil, the ministry is shining a spotlight on kenaf, an industrial crop prized for its high carbon absorption and biodegradable properties. With global demand projected to exceed US$10 billion by 2032, Malaysia is intensifying efforts to build robust sustainability and traceability frameworks for this emerging commodity. During KPK Week at Expo 2025, five strategic memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed across a range of commodities, from palm biomass and sustainable pepper to kenaf innovation and cacao exports. These agreements reflect Malaysia's broader multi-commodity strategy to elevate its position as a producer of sustainable, high-value products. Malaysia's overall presence at Expo 2025 is led by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), with over 21 ministries and 70 agencies contributing to a unified national showcase. Over the 26-week event, the Malaysia Pavilion will host forums, product demonstrations, business matching sessions, and signing ceremonies, positioning the country as a forward-looking trade and investment partner. So far, Malaysia has achieved 68 per cent of its RM13 billion target in trade and investment leads for Expo 2025, a testament to its whole-of-government strategy that places certified sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity at the centre of its global economic diplomacy.
