NEW DELHI, Sept 6- Pakistan, a very large consumer of vegetable oils and fats, remains a very large market for palm oil, thus making it an important export destination for the golden crop.
In 2012, Pakistan imported over 1.4 million tonnes of palm products from Malaysia valued at over US$1.3 billion, said Malaysia’s Consul General in Karachi, Abu Bakar Mamat said.
“We place great importance on this market,” he said.
Abu Bakar said this at the Seminar on Palm Oil Standardisation, which is jointly organised by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and Pakistan Standards Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) in Karachi on Thursday.
He said efforts by the Malaysian government, industry and also by MPOB have been put in to ensure that Malaysian palm oil remained relevant as the major product in Pakistan edible oil industry.
“MPOB is actively involved in developing standards for palm oil products and seats in numerous technical committees in the development of international standards such as the ISO standards, the American Oils Chemist Society and Codex,” he said.
Abu Bakar said the regional manager of MPOB Karachi also sat in the technical committee of the PSQCA and provided the technical knowledge and expertise in drafting and proposing related standards on palm oil products in Pakistan.
“I am very happy that PSQCA has been able to adopt the Malaysian Standards on palm oil. I believe PSQCA is in the position to establish appropriate standards for edible oil products and thereafter safeguarding the interest of the consumers in Pakistan,” he said.
He gave an assurance that the consulate general would extend its maximum effort to ensure the quality of Malaysian palm oil in Pakistan.
MPOB has a regional office in Karachi, which has been here for 27 years.
“The fact that this office is covering 24 other countries from Karachi, is a true manifestation of our commitment to ensure the smooth flowing of quality Malaysian palm oil into Pakistan market.
“And I am happy to say that, with consistent support from all of you, they will be here for many more years,” he said.
Pakistan is the fourth largest importer of Malaysian palm oil after China, India and EU.
– BERNAMA
