CPOPC Welcomes Papua New Guinea As Its Fourth Member Country

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) has welcomed Papua New Guinea as its fourth member country, according to a statement from the CPOPC.

The handover of the accession instrument in a hybrid landmark ceremony held at the secretariat of the council in Jakarta, Indonesia, marks the completion of the formal application process which was submitted on Oct 27, 2020.

Representing Papua New Guinea was the Minister Counsellor of the Papua New Guinea Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, Gregory Hombuahin and the general-secretary of the Oil Palm Industry Corporation of Papua New Guinea, Kepson Pupita.

CPOPC secretary-general Dr Rizal Affandi Lukman said Papua New Guinea’s wealth of experience in palm oil cultivation and its commitment to fostering economic growth will further enhance the council’s shared goals.

"Today's accession is a testament to the unifying vision of CPOPC. Together, we can amplify our collective voice on the global stage, promoting equitable and sustainable development in the palm oil sector,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hombuahin said the country is delighted to join CPOPC, as the council embodies its values of sustainability and community-centric growth.

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“We are committed to working together with our fellow members to build a brighter future for the oil palm industry," he said.

The CPOPC said as a member country, Papua New Guinea has the privilege to participate in the Ministerial Meeting and the Senior Officials Meeting of CPOPC to provide policy directions and guidance as well as to endorse and approve the strategies, programmes, and action plans to advance the oil palm industry.

“Following the addition of Papua New Guinea as a member country, and Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as observer countries, CPOPC now oversees 88.8 per cent of the global palm oil production, demonstrating its pivotal role in shaping the industry's future,” it noted.

Founded in 2015, CPOPC serves to advance the interests of nations that produce palm oil and to fortify collaboration in sustainable palm oil practices.

-- BERNAMA