Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed Papua New Guinea’s official membership in the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), marking a historic milestone for the nation’s oil palm industry. PNG joins Indonesia, Malaysia, and Honduras as the fourth member of the global palm oil organization, strengthening the country’s position in international trade and sustainability advocacy. Speaking at a high-level meeting attended by CPOPC Secretary-General Dr Rizal Affandi Lukman, Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Nageeb Wahab, PNG’s Oil Palm Minister Francis Maneke, Indonesian Ambassador His Excellency Andriana Supandy, Agriculture Secretary Dr Sergie Bang, and Oil Palm Industry Corporation General Secretary Kepson Pupita, Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed PNG’s commitment to responsible and sustainable palm oil production. Mr. Marape emphasized PNG’s active role in past CPOPC discussions, highlighting the importance of joining as a full member. “This is a significant moment for our country. We appreciate Indonesia and Malaysia for embracing PNG into the CPOPC family." "Together, we can strengthen our advocacy and ensure that the global palm oil market remains fair and sustainable,” he stated. He noted that PNG has immense potential for growth, highlighting that over one million hectares of grassland can be utilized for palm oil cultivation. “As a major forest nation, we will ensure that our palm oil production meets international sustainability standards and that we counter any misleading narratives about deforestation." The Prime Minister assured stakeholders that PNG is committed to enhancing investment opportunities and improving market access. “We must work together to ensure PNG’s palm oil meets the requirements of international markets, including compliance with European Union regulations." "Our industry must align with global standards while also benefiting from the economic opportunities that palm oil provides." He also highlighted PNG’s ambition to develop downstream processing and biofuel production, citing Indonesia’s progress in palm oil-based renewable energy. “We must explore palm oil as a fuel alternative, as Indonesia has done successfully." "This will not only boost our economy but also position us as a key player in the green energy sector." CPOPC Secretary-General Dr Rizal Affandi Lukman welcomed PNG’s membership and stated, “Papua New Guinea’s entry into CPOPC strengthens PNG’s collective advocacy for fair trade and sustainable palm oil production." PNG’s involvement will bring significant contributions to the industry, particularly in expanding market access and reinforcing sustainable practices. Dr Lukman also emphasized that PNG’s inclusion in CPOPC aligns with global efforts to address regulatory challenges such as European Union deforestation compliance. “We have been engaging with European stakeholders to ensure that regulatory frameworks recognize sustainable palm oil production. PNG’s inclusion allows us to strengthen these discussions and present a united front."