01/06/2012 (Bernama) - Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, YB Tan Sri Bernard Dompok will be leading a palm oil, rubber, timber and kenaf working visit to India from 3 to 8 June 2012. The delegation comprises Malaysia Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Malaysia Palm Oil Council (MPOC), Malaysia Rubber Export Promotion Council (MREPC), Malaysia Timber Council (MTC), National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN) and private sectors.

The objectives of the visit are as follows:
- To have dialogue sessions with industry players in order to enhance cooperation and networking among the players in the palm oil, rubber, timber and kenaf industries;
- To have bilateral meetings with Government agencies and organisation involved in the palm oil, rubber, timber and jute industries; and
- To further enhance the trade of palm oil, rubber and timber with India.

YB Tan Sri Bernard Dompok will deliver the keynote address and officiate the opening of Malaysia – India Palm Oil Trade Fair and Seminar (POTS India) 2012 in Mumbai on Thursday, 7 June 2012. POTS India is a specially-organised event to disseminate information on the developments in the palm oil industry. Through its theme 'Managing Global Challenges through Innovative Partnerships’, POTS India offers opportunity for the participants to exchange views and explore business prospects. The speakers and experts present will share their wealth of experiences and knowledge in the palm oil industry.

In addition, YB Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with the Indian Minister of Finance, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Minister of Agriculture and discussion with Government and industry representatives.

Malaysia is a major exporter of palm oil products to India with a total of 1.82 million tonnes in 2011, an increase of 35.8% compared to 1.34 million tonnes in 2010. Exports of palm oil products to India in 2011 valued at RM6.03 billion. The main palm oil products exported include palm oil, palm kernel oil, oleochemicals and finished products.

In addition to palm oil products, other commodity related products exported to India in 2011 are rubber products valued at RM268 million and timber products valued at RM1.505 billion.