Two giant palm oil producers – Indonesia and Malaysia– will set up the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) in a bid to stabilise prices and stimulate development of the sector.
Two giant palm oil producers – Indonesia and Malaysia– will set up the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) in a bid to stabilise prices and stimulate development of the sector.
Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Rizal Ramli said the CPOPC, expected to debut late October, will coordinate production and manage stocks to keep palm oil prices stable.
He noted that Indonesia and Malaysia in combination are controlling 85 percent of the world palm oil market, so their cooperation will contribute greatly to maintaining prices, adding that other nations will be invited to join their efforts.
The council will also work to harmonise production specifications to enhance the product competitiveness, according to the minister.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian side said it expects the council will promote sustainable farming practices through a specialised research committee.
The two countries also shared the idea to encourage private investors to build a green economic zone for producing added value palm oil.-VNA
Indonesia will maintain its status as the world’s number one palm oil producer by 2020 and beyond thanks to its wider planted area than its strongest rival Malaysia, according to global business consultancy Frost & Sullivan.
Malaysia’s palm oil exports surged 37 percent to 1.61 million tonnes in May, the highest level since March 2003, according to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board.
Malaysia’s palm oil and other related products are the main pillars of boosting trade with the Republic of Korea (RoK), said Malaysian Ambassador to the RoK Rohana Ramli.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Illustration photo (Source:Bernama)
