Chinese trade sources reported that the Government had issued its firstbatch of palm oil import quotas for 2001 amounting to 600,000 tonnes onTuesday (16/1/2001). However, according to Ling Chih Sien Sdn. Bhd.(MPOPC's agent in China, P.R), there is still no official confirmation onthis matter from the Chinese Government as yet (which is normally the casewith respect to official Chinese Government announcements).

Telephone conversation (on 17/1/2001) with Mr. Alvin Chey of LCS Sdn. Bhd.confirmed that the Chinese State Planning Development Commission (SPDC)held a meeting on 16/1/2001 in Beijing and it was agreed at the meetingthat the said amount of palm oil quota be given to the provincialGovernment.

REUTERS & LCS