Monday, August 12, 2002 (The Star) - COLUMBIA is keen on using Malaysia’stechnological expertise for the development of large-scale oil palmplantations in its country, said Deputy Minister of Primary Industries,Datuk Anifah Aman in Sandakan last week.He said the Latin American country at the same time was also offeringinvestment opportunities for Malaysian companies to explore new marketsfor palm oil in their country.“They praised Malaysia’s success as the world’s largest producer of palmoil and have called on investors from here to invest in their country,” hetold reporters after presenting a cheque worth RM4.7mil to 20 smallholdersinvolved in the Replanting Incentive Scheme from various parts of Sabah.Anifah who recently visited Columbia said Malaysia was most receptive tothe offer, saying that it offered various possibilities includingincreasing Malaysia’s palm oil market in the country.“The government is studying the matter as the country has a lot to offer.’’As a palm oil producer with a liberal attitude towards competition in theindustry, he said Malaysia was not denying the possibility that Columbiacould one day become a competitor.He said Malaysia was increasing its efforts to market palm oil inIndonesia which has received good response. – Bernama