Islamabad: At an international seminar on Tuesday, experts emphasized the need to explore the potential of palm oil derivatives beyond culinary applications. The event, titled “Sustainability of Palm Oil Industry and its Derivative Products,” was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad in collaboration with COMSTECH, and held at the COMSTECH Auditorium in Islamabad.
The seminar aimed to raise awareness among the Pakistani public about the sustainability of Indonesian palm oil and its derivative products, emphasizing their benefits to health and well-being.
In his remarks, COMSTECH Adviser Prof. Dr. Syed Khurshid Hasnain affirmed COMSTECH’s commitment to supporting natural products from OIC member countries. He highlighted the importance of applied research on these products for industrial purposes to benefit OIC countries economically through science and technology.
Indonesian Chargé D’Affaires Mr. Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma underscored the significance of palm oil to Indonesia, noting its 4.5% contribution to the country’s GDP and its employment of over 17 million workers. He mentioned Indonesia’s successful efforts to make palm oil production more eco-friendly and labor-friendly, urging the Pakistani business community to strengthen bilateral trade relations and participate in the Trade Expo Indonesia 2024.
The seminar also highlighted the diverse applications of palm oil derivatives, which can be used as raw materials for cosmetics, daily appliances, pharmaceuticals, paints, plastics, and bio-fuel. Palm oil’s high yield and cost-efficiency were noted, along with its health benefits and sustainable farming standards that align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Speakers at the seminar included Prof. Dedi Budiman Hakim from Bogor Agricultural Institute; Mr. Rashed Jan Muhammad, President of 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, Secretary General of PVMA. The seminar was moderated by Ms. Iqra Munawar from PIDE and Mr. Shams Abbasi, an economic journalist from the Associated Press of Pakistan.
The event was well-attended by entrepreneurs, scholars, students, and journalists in Pakistan. Participants received goodie bags from Indomie Pakistan, the world’s largest instant noodle brand based in Faisalabad, which uses palm oil.
The government of Indonesia and COMSTECH have a history of successful collaboration in advancing science and technology among OIC member countries. The COMSTECH research fellowship program in virology and vaccine technologies has been held annually since 2022. Both parties plan to co-organize an exhibition later this year focusing on nutraceuticals and cosmetics made with natural and Halal ingredients.
