Malaysia Plans To Introduce "Orangutan Diplomacy" To Palm Oil Trading Nations
The country seeks to emulate China's successful "panda diplomacy".
By May Vin Ang — 10 May 2024, 05:44 PM
Malaysia plans on gifting orangutans to palm oil trading partners in a bid to strengthen ties with fellow countries
The idea was announced by Plantation and Commodities Minister Johari Abdul Ghani at the 2024 Biodiversity Forum organised by the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation.
Johari said it is a diplomatic strategy for Malaysia to give orangutans as gifts to trading partners, particularly with major importing nations such as the European Union, India, and China.
Johari said Malaysia seeks to emulate China's successful "panda diplomacy" and its ties with other nations
"In adopting 'orangutan diplomacy,' we aim to demonstrate Malaysia's unwavering commitment to biodiversity conservation," he said, according to a statement on his official Facebook page.
He added that Malaysia cannot adopt a defensive stance regarding the use of palm oil in the eyes of the world
"Instead, Malaysia must demonstrate to the world its status as a sustainable palm oil producer committed to forest and environmental conservation," he said.
"I encourage major palm oil companies to collaborate with non-governmental organisations to oversee, preserve, and raise awareness about our iconic wildlife species to our global partners while also offering technical expertise," he added.
He also emphasised Malaysia's ability to showcase a balance between meeting food security needs and safeguarding the environment amid global concerns regarding the environmental impact of agricultural commodities.
