Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA), Sheikh Umer Rehan, has termed the cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Indonesia, aimed at enhancing trade collaboration in palm oil and related sectors, a significant and positive development for the vanaspati and cooking oil industry.
An MoU was signed between the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) and the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) to promote mutually beneficial trade opportunities. Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Umer Rehan said that Indonesia is a key palm oil trading partner for Pakistan, and the agreement will play a vital role in further strengthening bilateral trade relations between the two countries.
He stated that the MoU would help ensure a stable supply of palm oil, improve trade terms, and provide long-term stability for the industry, directly benefiting consumers and the national economy. He added that under the agreement, information sharing, joint initiatives, and new avenues of collaboration between the private sectors of both countries would be developed, benefiting not only the vanaspati and cooking oil industry but also increasing bilateral trade volumes.
Sheikh Umer Rehan emphasized that PVMA considers such international cooperation essential for safeguarding the local industry, ensuring the timely availability of raw materials, and maintaining price stability. He also appreciated the Government of Pakistan’s role in promoting trade diplomacy and supporting the private sector, noting that the presence of Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan at the signing ceremony reflected the government’s serious commitment to industrial growth and export promotion.
Expressing optimism, he said the MoU would serve as a strong foundation for future trade relations between Pakistan and Indonesia and open up new opportunities for collaboration between the private sectors of both countries. According to him, the agreement would pave the way for sustainable cooperation, joint strategies, and enhanced bilateral trade in palm oil and other related sectors, with positive spillover effects on the national economy and the food industry.
It is noteworthy that the MoU was signed by PVMA Chairman Sheikh Umer Rehan on behalf of Pakistan and GAPKI Chairman Mr. Eddy Martono on behalf of Indonesia. The signing ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, representing Pakistan, and by Deputy Minister of Trade Mrs. Dyah Roro Esti, representing Indonesia. Senior officials and representatives from both the public and private sectors of the two countries were also present on the occasion.
