Deputy Minister: Malaysia promotes high-value palm derivatives in global markets

Malaysia is promoting high-value palm derivatives such as red palm oil, palm stearin and palm-based ice cream powder in the global markets, said Datuk Chan Foong Hin.

The Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities said joint research and development (R&D) initiatives are underway with food companies in Sichuan and Chongqing, targeting applications in hotpot soup bases, spicy snacks and sustainable personal care products.

“As China pursues its vision of a shared future for mankind, Malaysia is proud to work alongside it—using palm oil as a bridge to promote regional green growth and sustainable development,” he said in a statement today.

The statement was issued following the China (Chongqing)-Malaysia Industry Cooperation Dialogue, which was successfully held in Chongqing last Thursday, with a strong focus on expanding collaboration in palm oil trade, technological innovation and the development of sustainable supply chains.

The dialogue was a highlight of the 7th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT), reaffirming Chongqing’s strategic role within the Malaysia-China green value chain.

Over 40 representatives from leading enterprises in food processing, condiments, personal care and oil refining industries attended the event for targeted business matching and dialogue.

In his keynote address, Chan emphasised the growing global momentum toward green development, highlighting palm oil’s potential as a critical bridge for regional cooperation.

According to him, Malaysia is eager to leverage its Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification—one of the world’s highest sustainability standards—to strengthen institutional linkages with China in areas such as carbon labelling, biofuels and green materials.

“Together, we can build a supply network that is not only efficient and innovative but also environmentally responsible.”

Chan noted the vast market potential in western China, with Chongqing acting as a central hub in the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.

He explained that this logistical advantage allows Malaysian palm oil to efficiently reach inland provinces such as Sichuan, Guizhou and Shaanxi via the Qinzhou Port-Chongqing route.

Chan announced that Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and New Land-Sea Corridor Operation Co Ltd had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accelerate the development of a strategic palm oil supply chain covering western China.

In addition, Malaysia is collaborating with Chongqing Jiaotong University to develop palm oil-based polyurethane acrylate for anticorrosive coating—broadening the scope of palm-based chemicals in China’s industrial sector, he said.

The dialogue concluded with a high-level roundtable on ‘The Future of China’s Palm Oil Industry Amid Global Oils and Fats Trends’, moderated by Zhou Shiyong, president of Beijing Heyirong Co Ltd, featuring robust discussion on trade trends, sustainability certification, technological innovation and policy frameworks.

This successful industry dialogue not only strengthened Malaysia-China collaboration across the palm oil value chain but also injected fresh momentum into building a green, efficient and mutually beneficial regional supply network—marking a new chapter in bilateral economic cooperation, the statement added.

Tags: China, Malaysia, palm oil, palm stearin, derivatives, markets, Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil, red palm oil, palm-based ice cream powder