KARACHI: The 8th Pakistan Edible Oil Conference very successfully ended by harvesting great ideas and recommendations for boosting the vital oil industry. It gathered a large number of local and foreign oil experts, oil producers and buyers, as well as diplomats. It won representation from six foreign countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Canada and the United States. Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Indonesian Vice Minister for Trade Dyah Roro Esty Widya Putri graced the conference as the Chief Guest and the Special Guest. Other prominent figures were Secretary, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Shehyar Taj, CEO of PEOC and Chairman, Pakistan Edible Oil Refiners Association, Rasheed Janmohammed; Chairman, Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association, Sheikh Umar Rehan, Chairman, Westbury Group, Bashir Janmohammed, MNA Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, President FPCCI, Atif Ikram. Rasheed Janmohammed , CEO of PEOC and Chairman of Pakistan Edible Oil Refiners Association, in his welcome address, highlighted the potential of the Pakistan market for edible oil. He expressed his gratitude to all those who had contributed their time, thoughts and support in making PEOC a very successful event. He thanked the foreign stakeholders from the core of his heart who had long travelled to participate in PEOC. He recognized the sponsors as well for playing significant role in PEOC’s success. Later, he presented his paper focused on ‘ Global Vegetable Oil Market: Pakistan Perspective.’ Chairman of PVMA Sheikh Umar Rehan said that Pakistan is the 3rd largest importer of edible oil, having very good logistics and storage facilities. He said that PVMA is a professional body which is working in coordination with the Pakistan government. He said PEOC has been a very successful event as almost all global suppliers of oil have travelled to Pakistan. Addressing the conference, the Federal Commerce Minister appreciated the organisers and all participants for successfully convening the international forum, PEOC, that brought together key stakeholders of the edible oil and oilseed sector. He commended the Pakistan Edible Oil Refiners Association and Seed Association for their efforts in promoting dialogue and cooperation in this vital industry. The Minister spoke of the recent visit of the President of Indonesia to Pakistan, terming it a very productive engagement with Pakistani stakeholders, including the Government and business community. He was confident that Pakistan’s long-standing relations with Indonesia would further strengthen through enhanced bilateral trade, particularly in palm oil, and soon “we will invite Indonesian investors.” Jam Kamal stated that Pakistan had enjoyed long-term and friendly relations with Indonesia, which have been further reinforced through trade agreements. The Federal Minister said that several countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the United States, and Canada, are showing high interest in trade with Pakistan, noting that these engagements are evolving beyond traditional trade into strategic partnerships. He remarked that edible oil and oilseeds provide an excellent foundation to further expand economic cooperation, build resilient supply chains, increase investment, and reduce delivery timelines. Highlighting Pakistan’s investment potential, he stated that the country offers unmatched advantages to regional and global markets, which include a young and dynamic labour force, competitive labour costs, and rapidly growing technological capabilities, all of which create a fertile ground for investment. He also informed that Pakistan is undergoing a series of economic reforms, focusing on stabilizing the macroeconomic environment, improving the ease of doing business, and promoting export-led growth. Indonesian Vice Minister for Trade Dyah Roro Esty Widya Putri, in her keynote speech, highlighted 75-year long and strong brotherly relations between Pakistan and Indonesia, beyond trade and economic cooperation. She reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to deeper diplomatic and economic ties and trade partnership, and she foresaw increased mutual cooperation through the newly established Joint Trade Committee. She said Pakistan is very important trade partner of Indonesia, particularly in edible oil sector. It is a big business hub, with a strong ecosystem and a strong food security system. She mentioned the recent visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Pakistan was also part of this move, and it remained very fruitful. She said that with bilateral trade already exceeding four billion US dollars, both countries are pursuing their common goal of a multi-dimensional, strong relationship anchored in political trust, growing economic cooperation, and people-to-people linkages. She said that both countries have entered a new phase of economic cooperation i.e. Halal Certification and sharing new technology. Besides major exporter of palm oil to Pakistan, Indonesia sells other commodities as well to Pakistan like rubber. She noted that the bilateral trade has shown strong resilience despite vibrating global situation. She spoke of the revision of the preferential trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides agreed to work jointly for the expansion of the existing PTA, with the shared objective of advancing to a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to unlock greater trade and investment opportunities. CEO of Malaysian Palam Oil Council Ms Belvinder appreciated that PEOC has reconnected many partners. She spoke on Malaysia’s global palm oil position and its economic significance in 2025. She said that Malaysia had a partnership with Pakistan in the palm oil sector for the last five decades. There is a remarkable increase in palm oil consumption in Pakistan every year, she noted. Rasheed Janmohammed, CEO of PEIC and Chairman PEORA, talked about ‘ Global Vegetable Oil Market: Pakistan Perspective.’ Mohammad Fadhil Hasan, Head of Foreign Affairs, GAPKI, Indonesia, highlighted ‘The Indonesian Palm Oil Industry: Trade Opportunities and Market Uncertainties.’ Izzana Salleh, Secretary General of Council of Paalm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) deliberated upon the future of oil industry. Thomas Mielke, Director and Editor, OILWORLD ISTA, Germany, talked about “Global Supply, Demand and Price Outlook of Oilseeds and Vegetable Oils for 2026.” Emily French, Founder & CEO of Global AG Protein, spoke on ‘Global Grains and Oilseeds Outlook 2026: Traffis, Tweets and Threats. Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tissori also graced the concluding ceremony. The conference ended with big musical and cultural show. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026