Malaysia to Raise EU Move to Back Palm Oil Ban to WTO

MALAYSIA’S Minister of International Trade and Industry Mustapa Mohamed has described the European Union`s (EU) backing of a ban on the use of palm oil in biofuels as a `potential violation of World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules`. In a statement issued on Monday (Jan 22), the minister said the move by the EU was a `deliberate attempt` to block the access of palm oil into their market and said that Malaysia would raise the issue at WTO committees in March and April this year. The country will also `intensify collaboration` with other palm oil producing countries to consider `more concerted efforts to voice our strong concern` before committees under the WTO, he added. European lawmakers approved draft measures last Wednesday to reform the power market there and reduce energy consumption, with the plan including a ban on the use of palm oil in motor fuels from 2021. `I urge the European private sector to be fair and not to be influenced by the vote in the European Parliament and the negative sentiment against our palm oil,` he added. `Facts must prevail above unsubstantiated claims in this matter.` (Source: Channel News Asia)