Malaysia Has Sweden's Support Against Palm Oil Discrimination
By Alexander Winifred
Nikkei Markets
KUALA LUMPUR (Mar 06) -- Malaysia has received support from Sweden, apart from other European nations including Spain, France, UK and the Netherlands, over its stand in opposing any discriminatory measures against palm oil, its plantation minister said Tuesday.
Thailand, the world's third largest palm oil producer after Malaysia and Indonesia, has agreed to reject the EU Parliament decision to ban palm oil as a feedstock for biofuel by 2021, Mah Siew Keong told reporters at an event in Kuala Lumpur.
"Malaysia does not want a trade war with Europe but if one is foisted on us, we will respond with might and tact," Mah said.
E.U. lawmakers have approved draft measures to reform the local power market that seek to lower energy consumption to meet broader climate goals. The plan includes a ban on the use of palm oil in motor fuels from 2021.
The EU move comes despite heavy protests from Malaysia and Indonesia which together account for more than 80% of global palm oil output.
Netherlands, the biggest export destination for Malaysian palm oil among the 28 EU member countries, committed earlier this year not to discriminate against palm oil.
Source: Asian Review
