KUALA LUMPUR, July 25, 2023 – The Islamic Republic of Iran is exploring collaborations with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) in the area of research and development (R&D) on palm oil, said MPOB’s Deputy Director-General (R&D) Dr Zainab Idris.
“MPOB and the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture are working on ways to explore avenues for joint R&D initiatives in the palm oil sector.
Together, Malaysia and Iran can overcome challenges and capitalize on the vast potential that lies ahead for the two countries,” she said in a statement today.
A delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran led by Deputy Minister of Agricultural and President of Agriculture Research Education & Extension Organization (AREEO) Dr. Mojtaba Khayam Neikouei paid an official visit to MPOB Head Office, in Bangi recently.
Dr Mojtaba has expressed Iran’s interest in signing two memoranda of understanding with MPOB in the R&D on palm oil as soon as possible.
The Iranian delegation also welcomed the proposal for research collaboration expressed by MPOB in the field of palm oil nutrition research.
“A study like this is seen as a proactive step by both countries in improving the image of Malaysian palm oil and can subsequently change the negative perception of palm oil among the Iranian community,” she said.
MPOB has held preliminary discussions with Iranian research institutions such as the National Nutrition and Food Technology Research (NNFTRI) and Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS).
According to Dr Zainab, the meeting was a golden opportunity to discuss ways to enhance trade relations and lay the foundation for a long-lasting relationship between the two countries.
“MPOB agreed to explore the possibilities of sharing experiences and best practices with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and we look forward to learning from the country’s unique insights and experiences in the agricultural sector through a memorandum of understanding,” she said.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is a net importer of oils and fats and its local production is sufficient for only 29.1% of its total local requirements. In 2022, it consumed 2.09 million tonnes of oils and fats domestically.
The country is among the important importers of Malaysian palm oil and also Malaysia’s key trading partner. Total export of Malaysian palm products to the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2022 was 492,688 tonnes, up by 13.6% from that of the previous year, with a value of RM2.79 billion (USD 0.61 billion).
Major Malaysian palm-based products exported to the country last year were refined, bleached and deodorised (RBD) palm olein, RBD palm oil, cocoa butter substitutes and cooking oil.
For the first six months of 2023, the total export of Malaysian palm products to the Islamic Republic of Iran rose by 53% to 185,946 tonnes compared to that of the same corresponding period last year.
We look forward towards enhancing trade and economic cooperation with Iran, especially in enhancing palm products exports from Malaysia,” she added.
— Akses Malaysia
