24/11/2012 (Bernama) - The Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, YB Tan Sri Bernard Dompok will be leading a palm oil, rubber and timber working visit to People’s Republic of China from 26 November to 2 December 2012. The delegation comprises of representatives from the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council (MREPC) and Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) and the private sector.

The objectives of this visit are:

• to strengthen trade in palm oil, rubber and timber products to China;

• to disseminate information on developments of new products produced; and

• strengthen business linkages between the private sectors of both countries.

During the visit to Beijing, YB Minister will address the Seminar on Managing Infection Control. The seminar organised by MREPC is aimed at disseminating information on the latest developments in infection control, specifically on the use of medical gloves for the medical fraternity in China.

YB Minister will also address the Malaysia-China Palm Oil Trade Fair and Seminar 2012, jointly organised by MPOC and MPOB in Chongqing. This seminar aims at generating awareness on the nutritional benefits and advantages of palm oil for both food and non-food industries in China.

In addition, YB Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with the Vice Minister of Health, Vice Minister of Agriculture, Vice Minister of the State Administration of Grains and discussion with industry's representatives. YB Minister is also scheduled to visit the Yuzhu International Timber Market in Guongzhou, the biggest timber market in Southern China.

China is Malaysia’s largest export destination for palm oil products. In 2011, Malaysia’s exports of palm oil and palm products to China were valued at RM16.36 billion, an increase of 45% from the RM11.28 billion recorded in 2010. Major palm oil products exported to China in 2011 include palm oil products, oleochemical products and palm kernel oil products. In addition to palm oil products, other commodity related products exported to China in 2011 include timber and timber products valued at RM690.9 million, rubber products valued at RM0.54 billion and cocoa products valued at RM319.2 million.