We must maintain Indonesia`s position as the world`s largest palm oil producer."Bandung, West Java (ANTARA News) - The government completely supports the development of the palm oil industry in the country, Secretary General of the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) Joko Supriyono said.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyonos presence at the ninth Indonesia Palm Oil Conference here in Bandung, West Java, on Thursday was proof of the governments commitment to supporting the development of the national palm oil industry.
"The presence of the President at this conference proves the government is committed towards supporting the development of the palm oil industry. Apart from oil and gas, the palm oil industry too has contributed significantly to the national economy," he stated.
Only ministerial-level officials attended the last eight conferences, but the presence of the President at the conference this time made the event special. Representatives from 27 countries are attending the conference. National palm oil industrialists in the country are now motivated to further boost their businesses in the future, he noted.
The conference, organized by GAPKI, is aimed at informing participants of the developments in the global palm oil industry and its prospects for 2014, besides promoting Indonesian palm oil and trade in the international market, he explained.
The event also served as a forum of discussion for national as well as international businessmen, stakeholders and decision makers with regard to strategic issues affecting downstream and upstream industries.
The ninth conference will conclude on November 9. Its theme is "Managing Market: Strengthening Industry Value Chain."
Under this theme, the participants will discuss issues pertaining to the industry chain, both downstream and upstream, including supporting industries, he added.
Discussions will also touch upon challenges facing the industry with regard to global warming, global market trends, palm oil price projection for the next year and issues of population and reforestation linked to sustainable palm oil production in the future.
"We hope the government will provide various facilities for the development of the palm oil industry in the future so that the industry becomes stronger, more sustainable and competitive. We must maintain Indonesias position as the worlds largest palm oil producer," Supriyono insisted.
(Reporting by Aat Surya Safaat/Uu.H-YH/INE/KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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