DUBAI, April 18 (Bernama) -- In efforts to better generate greater global recognition of the nutritional benefits of palm oil, Malaysia will hold the first Malaysia-Egypt Palm Oil Trade Fair and Seminar in Cairo on April 23-24.

The event, which is expected to bring together key players from both countries' oil and fats industry, is organised by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) and Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).

It will be launched by the Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Datuk Peter Chin, MPOC said.

Themed "Exploring Opportunities, Enhancing Palm Oil Trade," the fair will bring together oils and fats marketers, traders, economists, government officials and all segments of the private industry to discuss and examine new developments geared at promoting and enhancing the palm oil businesses between Malaysia and Egypt, MPOC said.

Some 50 businessmen from the Malaysian palm oil industry will attend the event.

Before Cairo the delegation, led by the minister, will be at a similar event in Karachi which began on Tuesday and ends on Friday.

The events not only showcase palm oil ingredients and products but also provide updates on opportunities for palm oil in Pakistan and Egypt.

Among the host of activities are business matching sessions, networking opportunities and presentation of papers by local and international speakers.

In Egypt, the papers include the potentials of the soap, oleo chemicals and cosmetic industry by Dr A El-Aziz El-Ramal of Royal Chemicals, Egypt; the prospects for palm olein in fast foods and industrial frying in Egypt by Dr Fouad Abdul Aziz al Sheikh of Misr Oils and Soap, Egypt; and food, fuel and feeds (3Fs) and price outlook by Dr James Fry of Britain's LMC International Ltd.

According to MPOB figures, the first quarter of this year saw Malaysia exporting 13,809 tonnes of palm oil to Egypt versus 88,181 tonnes in the same period last year. For the whole of last year, exports to Egypt stood at 211,686 tonnes.

China, the Netherlands and Pakistan remained the top three buyers of the commodity in the first quarter this year. China bought 836,473 tonnes, the Netherlands 367,439 tonnes and Pakistan 165,537 tonnes.

-- BERNAMA