PUTRAJAYA, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- The five-day biennial International PalmOil Congress (PIPOC) 2003 at Putrajaya Marriot Hotel would officially takeoff this morning with a key note address by Primary Industries MinisterDatuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik.

Delegates arrived at the hotel Sunday for their registration and laterattended a cocktail reception.

A record number of 1,430 participants from 45 countries have signed up forthe congress, out of which 1,047 participants are from Malaysia. Otherdelegates are from Indonesia, West Asia, India, Pakistan and the UnitedStates.

The theme for 2003 PIPOC is "Palm Oil: The PowerHouse for the Global Oilsand Fats Economy," and the event is being organised by the Malaysian PalmOil Board (MPOB).

A total of 72 exhibitors participating in 2003 PIPOC were seen busyputting up their booths until late last night to showcase their latestfindings and technology in the field.

Among the participants are palm oil growers, processors, exporters,traders, handling companies, importers, technology and service suppliersand manufacturers to scientists and policymakers.

The participants are expected to review and evaluate various aspects ofbusiness business opportunities in palm oil compared with other oils andfats.

Palm oil accounted for about 21 percent of the world's production and 46percent of the world's trade in oils and fats in 2002.

PIPOC, is also known as the single largest international congress on palmoil with presentations by 145 international and local speakers.

The congress is to be broken up into the agriculture conference, chemistryand technology conference, food technology and nutrition conference,oleochemicals conference and economic and marketing conference.

Among the prominent speakers at 2003 PIPOC are MPOB chairman Tan SriKhalid Ibrahim who will deliver a keynote address on "Positioning Palm Oilas the Power House for the Global Oils & Fats Economy."

Other speakers include the senior director of Multilateral Trade Policyand Negotiations in the Ministry of International Trade & Industry, OoiSay Chuan, who will speak on "The Doha Round: Position on Agriculture withSpecial Reference to Oils and Fats Trade", Prof. Mark Wahlqvist from theInternational Union of Nutrition Scientists, Australia who will touch on"Current Recommendations on Dietary Fats and Health."

-- BERNAMA