Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to cooperate in development of the jatropha industry under the ambit of renewable energy, the Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry said Monday.
The cooperation will cover research and development (R&D) activities related to agronomic practices, breeding of quality seeds and processing technologies, the ministry said in a statement.
This followed the third joint committee meeting on bilateral cooperation on commodities which was held recently in Bali, Indonesia. Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui led the Malaysian delegation while the Indonesian delegation was headed by the country`s Agriculture Minister Dr Anton Apriyantono.
The jatropha industry is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years as oil from the jatropha curcas plant can be used to produce biodiesel.
Malaysia and Indonesia at the meeting reaffirmed their earlier commitment to allocate six million tons of crude palm oil (CPO) for biodiesel production.
"In this context both countries will encourage domestic utilisation of biodiesel in the related sectors," the ministry said.
At the meeting, both countries also agreed to assist each other in producing standard quality cocoa beans and cocoa products through various collaborations.
"Cocoa production and processing in both countries should follow the Good Agricultural Practices to ensure that the cocoa beans and cocoa products meet the quality and food safety requirements of global consumers," the ministry said.
"Both countries also agreed to promote enhanced participation of the private sector, taking into consideration of the social, economic and the environmental elements of the cocoa industry," it said.
For pepper, Malaysia and Indonesia agreed to enhance cooperation in development of the industry through exchange of information, development of organic pepper and product development as well as product quality by addressing issues related to cultivation and processing.
In addition, both countries agreed to participate in trade exhibitions in each other`s country, the ministry said.
In this effort, Malaysia will extend an invitation to Indonesia to participate in the Malaysia International Commodity Conference & Showcase (MICCOS) exhibition in July 2009 in Kuala Lumpur.
Source: www.bernama.com.my (6 Mei 2008)
