ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Indonesia in Pakistan, in collaboration with COMSTECH, organized an international seminar titled “Sustainability of Palm Oil Industry and its Derivative Products” at the COMSTECH Auditorium.
Speakers at the event emphasized exploring the potential of palm oil derivatives in various industrial applications.
Addressing the seminar, COMSTECH Adviser Prof Dr Syed Khurshid Hasnain underscored the organization’s commitment to supporting natural products from OIC member countries.
He highlighted the need for applied research to enhance the industrial applications of these products, promoting economic benefits across member states.
Indonesian Chargé D’Affaires (CDA) Mr Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma highlighted palm oil’s significant contribution to Indonesia’s GDP, employing over 17 million workers directly and indirectly. He urged enhanced bilateral trade relations, inviting Pakistani businesses to participate in Trade Expo Indonesia 2024 this October.
The seminar showcased palm oil’s versatility as a raw material for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paints, plastics, and biofuels. It emphasized palm oil’s efficiency and sustainability, adhering to rigorous farming standards that prioritize human rights and environmental conservation, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.
Speakers included Prof Dedi Budiman Hakim from Bogor Agricultural Institute, Mr Rashed Jan Muhammad from BQATI, Prof Muhammad Asim Shabir from the University of Faisalabad, Mr Djono Albar Burhan from the Indonesia Palm Oil Association, Dr Humaira Fatima from Quaid-e-Azam University, and Mr Shahid Pervez from PVMA. Moderators were Ms. Iqra Munawar from PIDE and Mr. Shams Abbasi from the Associated Press of Pakistan.
The event was attended by entrepreneurs, scholars, students, and journalists, with participants receiving goodie bags from Indomie Pakistan, a prominent palm oil-based product brand.
Indonesia and COMSTECH continue to collaborate on advancing science and technology among OIC member countries, including annual research fellowship programs and plans for exhibitions focusing on nutraceuticals and cosmetics later this year.
