09/11/2016 (Bernama) - The Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Malaysia, YB Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong, received a courtesy call from the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of The Netherlands to Malaysia, H.E. Karin Mossenlechner at his office on 7 November 2016.

During the courtesy call, YB Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong stressed on the importance to strengthen bilateral trade and collaboration in commodity-based products between both sides. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is not only the biggest importer of Malaysian commodity products amongst EU country, but also serves as a major entry point for Malaysian export of commodity products to Europe, in particular palm oil products.

The meeting focused on the following:

- Progress made by both countries towards full recognition of the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) under the Dutch Timber Procurement Policy. In this context, both sides welcomed the Fact Finding Mission to Malaysia by Dutch officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure & Environment and Economic Affairs and representatives from the Timber Procurement Assessment Committee (TPAC) from 23 to 25 November 2016. This is aimed at further clarifying issues under MTCS for full recognition by the TPAC. This will allow for the use of MTCS certified timber from Malaysia in public procurement projects in the Netherlands;

- Strengthening bilateral trade ties between Malaysia and Netherlands, especially in strengthening exports of commodity products to Netherlands including palm oil. The Netherlands is a major re-export destination to the rest of Europe for palm oil products;

- Meeting of the Malaysia-Netherlands Joint Working Group (JWG) to explore potential collaborative projects including in the area of sustainable palm oil. In this context, Malaysia and the Netherlands to accelerate work on specific projects through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU); and

- Efforts undertaken by Malaysia to ensure the safety of palm oil. Malaysia has allocated RM50 million to undertake research towards reducing containments and ensuring palm oil complies with international standards on food safety.

In 2015, exports of commodity and commodity-based products to Netherlands was valued at RM6.56 billion. Among the commodity products exported, palm oil products valued at RM5.72 billion contributed 87.2% of total exports. Other products exported to the Netherlands include timber and timber products valued at RM421.7 million, rubber and rubber products at RM332.89 million and cocoa and cocoa products at RM74.88 million. Total exports of commodity products for the period of January-August 2016 was recorded at RM3.98 billion.

YB Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong would like to record appreciation to the Government of the Netherlands on the efforts in fostering stronger bilateral trade and cooperation between the Netherlands and Malaysia, in particular commodity products.

SOURCE : Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities Malaysia

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