Saudi Arabia-based oils and fats majors are set to establish an extensive presence at the first “Malaysia-UAE Palm Oil Trade Fair & Seminar (POTS) 2008,” which will be held on May 26-27 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai. Leading players, including Al-Qassim Food Factory and Savola Edible Oil, among others, are seeking to leverage the outstanding learning and networking opportunities at the event in line with the increasing demand for Malaysian palm oil in the Kingdom and its rapid growth as a leading center for refining and distribution of the product to the Middle East. Malaysian palm oil exports to the Kingdom are expected to increase in 2008 from the 33,000 metric tons (MT) recorded in 2007, according to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC). The event will feature plenary lectures on issues concerning the regional Malaysian palm oil trade, including prices, health benefits, challenges, shipping and marketing, and current market trends. Topics to be discussed in the two-day seminar include a plenary lecture on “The Global Oils and Fats Price Outlook” by Dr. Sarah Hickingbottom, LMC International UK; and “'Malaysian Palm Oil: Meeting the Challenges in the Middle East Market” by Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Yusof Basiron, CEO, MPOC. A talk on “Strengthening the Palm Oil Market in the Middle East” will be delivered by Amir Qadri, marketing head, ERCO-IFFCO Group. “It is a great pleasure to see the inaugural ‘Malaysia-UAE Palm Oil Trade Fair & Seminar' gather outstanding reception from major oils and fats manufacturers, refiners, importers and exporters in the region, thereby underlining the critical importance of a comprehensive platform within this burgeoning industry,” said Ahmad Zafri Zawawi, regional director - Middle East, MPOC. “We are proud to become a part of the Saudi Arabian oils and fats market and its rapid maturity, as well as those of other emerging markets in the region. This event has been developed to address and promote high standards in product quality and our aim is to aid industry players further expand their markets.” In addition, the seminar will also offer powerful projections and strategies for the participating companies on topics such as “Shipment Of Palm Oil Within The Middle East - Post IMO Regulations,” which will be delivered by Francis Tan, KL Maritime Sdn Bhd, Malaysia. __
