Indonesian Embassy, COMSTECH co-host event on palm oil industry sustainability

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad in collaboration with COMSTECH jointly organised the international seminar on “Sustainability of Palm Oil Industry and its Derivative Products” at COMSTECH Auditorium, Islamabad, on Tuesday.

The international seminar aims to raise more awareness on the harmlessness of the palm oil and its derivative products on health and sustainability of the palm oil from Indonesia to the Pakistani public. 

Through the seminar, more potentials are expected to explore the untapped potential of palm oil derivatives beyond culinary application.

In his remarks, COMSTECH Adviser Prof Dr Syed Khurshid Hasnain mentioned that the body had a strong commitment to support the natural products coming from the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) member states and expects more applied research on more application of the natural products for the industrial purposes that could benefits to these countries. 

He said that science and technology should be applicable and give economic benefits to the people.

While addressing the seminar, the Indonesian Chargé D’Affaires (CDA), Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma underlined the importance of palm oil for Indonesia as it contributes to 4.5% to the country’s GDP, which absorbs more than 17 million direct and indirect workers. 

Given its significance, the Indonesian government successfully improved the approaches on palm oil production to be more eco-and-labour-friendy.

The CDA invited the Pakistani business community to participate Trade Expo Indonesia 2024 this October.

The seminar discloses the minerals contained in the palm oil are very beneficial for the industry, compared with another vegetable oils and could be used for raw material of cosmetics, daily appliances, pharmaceuticals, paints, plastics and even biofuel. Palm oil is also considered very efficient in cost since it provides a high yield at a very affordable cost.

The event was attended by a significant number of participants from entrepreneurs, scholars, students, and journalists in Pakistan.

The government of Indonesia and COMSTECH have a successful history of collaboration in advancing science and technology among the OIC member countries.