On the 27th of August 2015, Bapak Rizal Ramli, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Resources of Indonesia and YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, the Minister of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia led a delegation from the two respective countries in a meeting in Kuala Lumpur to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the palm oil industry. Bapak Rizal was joined by Bapak Sofyan Djalil, Minister for National Development Planning, Indonesia.

The other Malaysian Ministers who attended the meeting were Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, the Minister of Rural Development and Dato’ Razali Ibrahim, Deputy Minister of the Prime Minister’s Department.

Malaysia and Indonesia discussed and agreed to explore new measures to further improve cooperation in the palm oil industry in light of the current global economic environment. Both countries will also work together towards improving the perception about palm oil, including its nutritional and sustainable production.

Among issues discussed during the bilateral meeting include collaboration in assisting smallholders in the face of global challenges. We are committed towards exploring joint efforts aimed at ensuring remunerative income for the smallholders of both countries. This effort is in line with the ASEAN spirit of cooperation and inclusive growth.

The two governments are also fully supportive of initiatives to promote cross-border investments in the development of oil palm industry. This includes the recently announced proposal by FGV in Malaysia and EHP in Indonesia to explore opportunities in the downstream sector.  

Both countries intend to realize this vision as soon as possible.

Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)
27 August 2015