8/8/06 (Sabah Daily Express)  - Kota Kinabalu: Response from investors to start operations at the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) Lahad Datu has been overwhelming but some snags in the sales and purchase provisions are delaying the conclusions of these agreements.

"If not for some snags we would have concluded seven or eight S&Ps by now," said Industrial Development Minister Datuk Ewon Ebin.

Speaking at the sales and purchase agreement signing ceremony by Global Bio-Diesel for 33.45 acres at POIC Lahad Datu, Monday, Ewon commended the company for its support to the Government's effort to develop palm oil downstream industries in Sabah.

"Your purchase of land is a statement of confidence in the prospects of POIC Lahad Datu, in particular, and the palm oil industry in Sabah in general," he said.

Global Bio-Diesel was the third investor signing the sales and purchase agreement with POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd after biodiesel and glycerine manufacturer, SPC Power Sdn Bhd and Lahad Datu Edible Oil Sdn Bhd the last two weeks.

It marked the beginning of a partnership for POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd, which plays a vital role in achieving the Sabah Government's goal of making POIC Lahad Datu the palm oil hub of the region. POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd, he said, sees itself as the facilitator in realising the fullest potentials of palm oil in Sabah.

"It is the industrial players like Global Bio-Diesel who will make it happen. We would like to think that we are also partners in promoting the prosperity of Lahad Datu and Sabah," he said.

Representing POIC at the signing ceremony were Ewon and POIC Director, Salim Mahmud who is also Sawit Kinabalu Group General Manager, while signing for Global Bio-Diesel were its Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, John Hwang and Director, Jong-In Choi.

Also on hand were POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer, Dr Pang Teck Wai and Industrial Development Ministry political secretary, John Chin.