InfoSAWIT, TASHKENT - Indonesia and Uzbekistan telah agreed to get bilateral cooperation in palm oil sector. It was signed in memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Indonesian Palm Oil Association (IPOA) and Oil and Fat Industry Association of Uzbekistan (Uzyogmoysanoat), Thursday (14/09/2023) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Chairman of IPOA, Eddy Martono said that the cooperation would be significant because Uzbekistan is ideal business partners for Indonesia in Central Asia. It is the second biggest trade partner of Indonesia in the region after Kazakhstan.

As one advance vegetable oil and producer in Central Asia, Uzbekistan has the big potential to be regional center to produce and manage vegetable oil. Besides, the strategic geography in Central Asia makes Uzbekistan as the potential connector with the countries around.

Indonesia is the biggest palm oil producer and exporter in the world now. More than 150 countries become palm oil importers from Indonesia, including the contries in Central Asia though they are limited still. One issue to expand (palm oil export) to the region is logistic issue.

Eddy also mentioned, his side is enthusiastic with the signing of the MoU and would introduce sustainability aspects in palm oil industries in Indonesia though Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) as the condition for every planter. “And would open the chance to export and investment in palm oil industries from Indonesia in the country and other non-traditional countries in the region,” he said, as in the official statement to InfoSAWIT, Thursday, (14/9/2023)

Meanwhile Chairman of Uzyogmoysanoat, Oybek Zuparov also told his will to learn from Indonesia about palm oil industrial development and refinery to be implemented in Uzbekistan. According to Indonesian Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan needs about 60.000 – 70.000 tons of crude palm oil per year.

"The MoU is the proof of commitment and assessment from both countries to escalate domestic production through the cooperation in science, technology, best practices in palm oil industries to increase bilateral trade volume between both countries,” Oybek Zuparov said.

The signing of the MoU was witness by the Ambassador of Indonesia in Uzbekistan, HE Surnaryo Kartadinata. It was the right moment that Indonesia participated in the 2023 Asia Grains and Oils. It was the important chance to promote and deliver positive campaigns about palm oil from Indonesia in Central Asia. (T2)