Malaysia reacts to EU plan to limit biofuel imports

Malaysia’s Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said that the European Union (EU) must be more transparent in their discussions on measuring the environmental impact of biofuels before it moves to penalize palm oil exporters. “As one of the biggest producers of palm oil we are watching this very closely to make sure our interests are not adversely affected,” he said. The EU is in the process of reviewing its options concerning the imports of biofuels that were produced on former forest or farmland. Malaysia exports palm oil to Europe for use in food and for the production of biodiesel. The European Commission has stated that “Trade can no longer take place in isolation from the wider objective of sustainable development.” (July 13, 2011)