MALAYSIA, CHINA TO COOPERATE ON EU DEFORESTATION REGULATION - CHAN

PUTRAJAYA, July 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia seeks to cooperate with China in establishing a shared consensus during engagements with the European Union, particularly regarding the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), said Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin.

Chan affirmed Malaysia's commitment to supplying China with Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certified products, aiming to address the EUDR's implementation and impact.

“Malaysia looks forward to cooperating with China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) to promote sustainable development, environmental protection, and address climate change through the MSPO Certification Scheme in the Chinese market,” Chan said in a statement today.

He said these issues were raised during a G2G bilateral meeting with vice minister of China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment Zhao Yingmin in Beijing last Friday, which received a positive response.

According to the statement, Chan highlighted Malaysia's active efforts to address the four challenges posed by the EUDR: Traceability System, Legal Land Title, Deforestation-Free and No Forced Labour.

The MSPO certification scheme, mandatory since Jan 1, 2020, plays a key role in these efforts.

In addition to the green value chain, Malaysia welcomes initiatives by the Chinese Government to use biofuel, especially biodiesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel. 

“In this regard, Malaysia pledges support for these efforts through technical information exchange and biofuel supplies," Chan said.

Chan also spoke at the Roundtable Dialogue on the Malaysia-China Green Value Chain Partnership, discussing low-carbon development and the transition in the palm oil sector. 

He emphasised that developing a green economy requires international cooperation and joint efforts.

He said Malaysia and China will continue to strengthen policy alignment, deepen technical exchanges and promote green projects for mutual benefit.

"We hope that through this high-level dialogue, we can work with all parties to explore low-carbon development and the transition to palm oil, promoting the green economy and resilient recovery," Chan added.

Chan also held a G2G bilateral meeting with vice minister of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) Zhao Zenglian to discuss technical collaboration and trade agreements.

“Malaysia looks forward to continued cooperation with the GACC on port supervision and food safety. 

“This is crucial as smooth collaboration paves the way for exploring international cooperation in key areas, such as palm oil,” he said.

-- BERNAMA