TEMPO.CO, Tashkent, Uzbekistan - The Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) and the Uzbekistan Fats & Oils Association/Assotsiasiya "Uzyog'moysanoat" signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish cooperation in the field of expertise exchange in vegetable oil production and processing at Tashkent International Hotel in Uzbekistan, September 14, 2023, according to the Indonesian Embassy in Tashkent.

Based on a report published by Kemlu.go.id on Friday, September 15, 2023, the MoU was signed by Mr. Eddy Martono, Chairman of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), and Mr. Oybek Zuparov, Uzbekistan Fats & Oil Association / Assotsiya "Uzyog'moysanoat", in the presence of H.E. Sunaryo Kartadinata, Indonesian Ambassador in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Indonesia is the world's largest producer of palm oil, producing about 50 million tons annually, of which about 20 million tons are consumed domestically, and 30 million tons are exported. Palm oil has been used for a variety of uses, including food (e.g. cooking oil, margarine), oleochemicals (e.g. soaps, hand sanitizers, shampoos), and biodiesel.

In addition to being the largest contributor of foreign exchange , the palm oil industry in Indonesia employs more than 16 million people. Currently, Indonesia exports palm products to more than 150 countries, including to Central Asia, where they are used in various industries and products. Indonesia has instituted a sustainability standard for oil palm cultivation known as ISPO which is a requirement for oil palm plantation businesses.

As one of the leading producers and users of vegetable oils in Central Asia, Uzbekistan has the potential to become a regional vegetable oil production and management center. It is hoped that through the MoU, Uzbekistan can increase its domestic production by utilizing Indonesia's knowledge, technology, and best practices in the field of palm oil processing. In addition to the above points, this MoU is expected to increase the bilateral trade volume of the two countries.

TEMPO.CO

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