PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, has signed a circular approving Congo’s accession as a full member of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) on Wednesday. This approval will also be signed in parallel by Malaysia’s Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Honduras’ Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, and Papua New Guinea’s Minister of Palm Oil.
Previously holding observer and guest status in CPOPC, Congo is now the first African country to become a full member of the organization. This move is seen as a strategic step to expand CPOPC’s influence in the global palm oil market, particularly in addressing trade barriers and unlocking new market opportunities.
According to 2023 data, Congo’s oil palm harvest area reached approximately 340,000 hectares, producing 2.23 million tons of fresh fruit bunches (FFB). The country’s productivity stood at 6.59 tons per hectare, with around 54,000 smallholder farmers engaged in the sector.
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In an official statement received by Palmoilmagazine.com on Thursday (March 13, 2025), Congo’s palm oil industry is still in the development phase but holds significant potential for sustainable growth. The government has committed to fostering this sector as part of its economic diversification and community empowerment efforts.
CPOPC is an international organization founded by Indonesia and Malaysia in 2015, with the primary goals of promoting sustainable palm oil management, improving farmers’ welfare, and advancing the global economy through the palm oil industry. The CPOPC Secretariat is based in Jakarta, where Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs serves as the focal point of the organization.
Currently, CPOPC consists of major palm oil-producing countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Honduras, and Papua New Guinea. With Congo’s accession, the organization expands its geographical reach and creates new opportunities for a more inclusive palm oil industry in Africa. This development also strengthens CPOPC’s position in advocating for sustainability and policies that support the global palm oil sector. (P2)