Malaysian Palm Oil Forum (MPOF) Turkey
2025, organised by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), was held in Istanbul,
bringing together leaders from the global oil and fats industry with key
stakeholders in Turkey.
The Malaysia Palm Oil Forum (MPOF) Türkiye 2025, organized by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), gathered global leaders of the oils and fats industry with key stakeholders from Türkiye in Istanbul. Held at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, the event once again underlined the strategic importance of this collaboration, as Türkiye stands as Malaysia’s largest palm oil importer in the Middle East and the fifth largest globally.
Under the theme “Malaysian Palm Oil: The Driving Force for Growth in Türkiye’s Oils and Fats Ecosystem,” the forum aimed to deepen bilateral trade relations while exploring the sector’s growth potential and future cooperation opportunities. Key topics such as food security, nutrition, sustainability, and market dynamics were discussed, with particular emphasis on the stringent monitoring of potential contaminants in palm oil in line with international standards.
Participants shared a common vision focused on strengthening the environmental and economic benefits of the industry by emphasizing responsible production, traceability, and sustainable supply chains. It was noted that nearly 85% of the palm oil exported to Türkiye is MSPO-certified, ensuring that the oil is not only traceable and legally produced but also aligned with climate goals and social responsibility principles.
Belvinder Sron: “Türkiye is an
indispensable strategic partner for Malaysian palm oil”
Belvinder Sron
During the event, MPOC CEO Belvinder Sron highlighted Türkiye’s strategic importance, stating: “Türkiye is an indispensable strategic partner for Malaysian palm oil. At MPOF Türkiye 2025, we not only strengthened our existing commercial ties with all stakeholders in the sector but also created an opportunity to build a shared vision around critical issues such as sustainability, food security, and nutrition. We will continue to work closely with the industry to maximize Türkiye’s growth potential and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation.”
Sron also emphasized Malaysia’s strong position in the global palm oil market, noting that the country is the world’s second-largest palm oil producer, accounting for 24% of global supply. She added:
“Palm oil remains Malaysia’s most valuable agricultural export, generating USD 24 billion in export revenue last year, and supporting the livelihoods of more than 450,000 smallholders. The country’s crude palm oil production has reached 19.3 million tons.”
Highlighting Türkiye’s dynamic market, with a population exceeding 85 million and annual oil consumption of 3 million tons, Sron continued:
“Malaysia accounts for over 90% of Türkiye’s palm oil imports. Much of this imported oil is used in value-added processing and manufacturing, with many of these final products exported to neighboring markets. Malaysia’s palm-based product portfolio is well-positioned to support Türkiye’s expanding manufacturing sector and its growing exports to nearby regions. This creates new avenues for collaboration.”
Also attended by Ahmad Amiri Abu Bakar, the Consul General of Malaysia in Istanbul, the forum reaffirmed Türkiye’s position as the largest importer of Malaysian palm oil in the Middle East and the fifth largest globally, further illuminating the future of the industry.