Minister of Trade Insists on Oil Palm Dialogue with UK

The Minister of Trade Enggartiasto Lukita plans to hold a dialogue with the British Ambassador to Indonesia to confirm the ban on palm products by the British supermarket chain, Iceland. The reason is because the ban has the potential to damage the image of Indonesian palm oil products in the eyes of the world. Enggar will convey that what Indonesia asks is for a fair treatment in establishing trade cooperation. The attitude of this Britain`s supermarket chain is seen as the first step to start a trade war. `I will invite the ambassador and talk him to this,` said Enggartiasto at the Ministry of Commerce, Jakarta (20/4/ 2018). According to him, Iceland`s decision to pro hibit palm oil products can be reciprocated by other companies in Indonesia. `It`s by the private sector and we can also ask the private (in Indonesia) not to sell products from the UK,` said Enggar. The Minister of Trade argues that banning palm oil products on the grounds of environmental damage is an exaggerated reason. Because, Europe is actually more environmentally destructive with their livestock industry. `The cattle ranch is destructive to the environment, even the cattles` waste interfere with our oxygen quality.` ***