InfoSAWIT, BOGOTÁ – The Secretariat of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) held an honorary meeting at the Honduran Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia. The meeting was initiated by Honduras as part of an effort to encourage Latin American countries to strengthen their involvement in the CPOPC forum.

The event was attended by H.E. Tatang Budie Utama Razak, the Indonesian Ambassador to Colombia; H.E. Dr. Taryn Arlette Moreno Zelaya, the Honduran Ambassador to Colombia; H.E. Arturo Felix Wong, the Ecuadorian Ambassador; H.E. Maria Cristina Castro Villafranca, the Costa Rican Ambassador; and diplomatic representatives from Brazil and Mexico.

According to a report from CPOPC on Tuesday (9/23/2024), during the discussion, CPOPC Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Musdhalifah Machmud asserted that the palm oil industry in Latin America is playing an increasingly significant role in the global market. She emphasized the importance of strengthening the collective voice of producing countries to create fair and inclusive policies that support development and sustainable trade.

The Ambassadors of Ecuador and Costa Rica also expressed interest in joining CPOPC as members. Regular meetings will be held as a follow-up to discuss membership issues and other cooperation agendas. (T2)