Kuala Lumpur, 14 January 2025 – Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, the Honourable Minister of Plantation and Commodities, recently officiated the 7th Pakistan Edible Oil Conference (PEOC) 2025, a key platform for global stakeholders to discuss the future of the oils and fats industry. The Minister’s visit to Karachi highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing Malaysian palm oil exports to Pakistan, a key market in the region.
As part of his visit, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani visited Port Qasim Authority, a critical hub for Pakistan’s edible oil imports and home to the largest industrial zone in the country. During his meeting with Rear Admiral (R) Syed Moazzam Ilyas, Chairman of Port Qasim Authority, the Minister discussed strategies to enhance the flow of Malaysian palm oil into Pakistan and leverage Pakistan’s strategic location as a gateway to the Central Asian market.
The ports of Pakistan offer the most direct and efficient route to this region, with the potential to reduce transit times by more than half. Currently, the Central Asian Republics are importing approximately 55,000 tonnes of edible oils in 2024. With improved logistics, the region holds the long-term potential to increase imports to 250,000 tonnes, underscoring the significance of leveraging Pakistan’s connectivity for market expansion.
On the side-lines of the conference, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani participated in a roundtable discussion with 28 key stakeholders from Pakistan’s oils and fats industry. Participants included the Chairmen of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association, the Pakistan Edible Oil Refiners Association, and the All-Pakistan Solvent Extractors Association.
Belvinder Sron, CEO of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), emphasised the vital role of Pakistan as a strategic market for Malaysian palm oil. She noted that Pakistan imported 860,260 tonnes of palm oil and related products in 2024, a significant increase from 753,759 tonnes in 2023. At its peak Malaysia’s palm oil exports to Pakistan reached an impressive 2.1 million tonnes in 2010, making Pakistan one of our most significant markets at the time.
“Pakistan remains among the top 10 buyers of Malaysian palm oil and has always maintained a close relationship with Malaysia. Through this visit, we aim to strengthen our longstanding partnership and further expand our market share in this important region,” she said.
MPOC continues to prioritise key markets like Pakistan, reflecting its commitment to enhancing strong international trade ties.
During the discussion, participants explored strategies to increase Malaysia’s market share in Pakistan’s edible oil imports and ensure a steady supply of sustainable, MSPO-certified palm oil. The dialogue also addressed opportunities to enhance Malaysian palm oil supplies to Pakistan and introduce technology transfers for the downstream industry.
The Pakistan industry also suggested that Malaysian suppliers adopt an ex-tank sales model, a trade practice already common in Pakistan. Adopting this approach would not only help manage price volatility and reduce financial commitments but also align with local market preferences, thereby positioning Malaysian suppliers to strengthen their foothold and increase their market share in Pakistan’s edible oil sector.
The Minister also reaffirmed Malaysia’s readiness to meet Pakistan’s growing demand for palm oil with high-quality and sustainable products. Industry leaders expressed their commitment to continuing imports of Malaysian palm oil and explored opportunities for expanding trade volumes to benefit both nations.
At the 7th Pakistan Edible Oil Conference, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani delivered the keynote address, highlighting Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable palm oil through initiatives like the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification. He emphasised Malaysia’s position as the world’s second-largest producer of palm oil, contributing over USD 20 billion annually to its economy and supporting nearly one million livelihoods.
The Minister underscored the significant growth of Pakistan’s USD 115 billion food sector, which is projected to expand by 7.5% over the next five years, presenting opportunities for Malaysian palm oil and specialty fats to drive innovation and meet advanced industry needs. He also highlighted Malaysia’s strength in Research and Development (R&D), offering tailored solutions to enhance product quality for Pakistan’s food industry. Additionally, he noted the potential for palm-based oleochemicals to support Pakistan’s personal care and home care sectors, contributing to the diversification of its manufacturing capabilities.
The Minister’s engagements during the visit highlighted Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen its footprint in the Pakistani market and explore new opportunities to expand Malaysian palm oil and its products exports. Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani’s visit marks a significant step toward reinforcing Malaysia’s leadership in the global oils and fats industry.
For more information on MPOC and Malaysian palm oil, visit www.mpoc.org.my
