KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) and Palm Oil Refiners Association Malaysia (PORAM) will be organising the International Palm Oil Trade Fair and Seminar (POTS 2006) from Nov 21-24 at Shangri-La Hotel here.

The highlights of the event include a seminar on "Snack Food and Palm Oil - Trend and Opportunities", an exhibition on snack foods and palm ingredients, BIZMATCH (business meetings), and incorporating the Malaysian Palm Oil Industry Golf Challenge and PORAM Dinner 2006 on Nov 25.

In a statement here Friday, MPOC said POTS 2006 is targeted at the oils and fats marketers, snack food manufacturers, fast food operators, traders, economists, government officials and also the private industry.

Its chief executive officer Tan Sri Dr Yusof Basiron said the trade fair would focus on enhancing palm oil trade.

"The seminar will discuss and examine the latest trends and new opportunities in the snack food sector particularly the use of palm oil which is currently gaining wider market share within the food and beverage industry," he said.

PORAM chairman Richard Cheang said the event, to be officiated by Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, offered insights on the oils and fats businesses that would open doors to new ventures and also enhance business opportunities.

Meanwhile, registration for the seminar and exhibition can be done through POTS 2006 Secretariat at 03-7806 4097, e-mail: pots2006@mpoc.org.my or on www.mpoc.org.my.

Malaysia is currently the largest producer of palm oil with an output of 14.96 million tonnes of crude palm oil (CPO) last year compared to 13.98 million tonnes in 2004.

It is also the largest exporter with total export revenue of oil palm products at RM28.6 billion in 2005.

-- BERNAMA