The National (20/02/2025) - PRIME Minister James Marape has welcomed Papua New Guinea's Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) membership as a historic milestone for the nation's oil palm industry.

"This is a significant moment for our country," he said.

"We appreciate Indonesia and Malaysia for embracing PNG into the CPOPC family.

"Together, we can strengthen our advocacy and ensure that the global palm oil market remains fair and sustainable."

PNG joins Indonesia, Malaysia, and Honduras as members of the global palm oil organisation, strengthening the country's position in international trade and sustainability advocacy.

Marape reaffirmed PNG's commitment to responsible and sustainable palm oil production during a meeting attended by CPOPC secretary-general Dr Rizal Affandi Lukman, deputy secretary-general Datuk Nageeb Wahab, Oil Palm Minister Francis Maneke, Indonesian ambassador Andriana Supandy, Agriculture and Livestock Department secretary Dr Sergie Bang, and Oil Palm Industry Corporation general secretary Kepson Pupita.

Marape said more than one million hectares of grassland could be used for palm oil cultivation.

"As a major forest nation, we will ensure that our palm oil production meets international sustainability standards and that we counter any misleading narratives about deforestation," he said.

"We must work together to ensure PNG's palm oil meets the requirements of international markets, including compliance with European Union regulations.

"Our industry must align with global standards while also benefitting from the economic opportunities that palm oil provides."

Marape emphasised PNG's ambition to develop downstream processing and biofuel production, citing Indonesia's progress in palm oil-based renewable energy.

"We must explore palm oil as a fuel alternative, as Indonesia has done successfully. This will not only boost our economy but also position us as a key player in the green energy sector," he said.

Lukman welcomed PNG's membership, saying it "strengthens our collective advocacy for fair trade and sustainable palm oil production".

Marape reaffirmed PNG's commitment to strengthening advocacy efforts alongside Indonesia and Malaysia.

"We must stand together to promote fair trade policies and counter any negative narratives surrounding palm oil. As major forest nations, we have the responsibility to present our case and showcase that we are sustainable producers," he said.

Marape reassured investors that PNG was taking steps to improve the business environment.

"We are working on land mobilisation programmes and tax incentives to make PNG a more attractive investment destination,"he said. Marape said the Government allocated K100 million annually for land acquisition and infrastructure support, ensuring long-term growth in the sector.

"We are putting systems in place to encourage sustainable industry expansion and create more opportunities for our people," Marape added.

Read more at https://www.thenational.com.pg/pm-hails-palm-oil-membership/