SINGAPORE: The UK will have the opportunity to make a trade deal with South-East Asian nations, including the world’s top palm oil producers, once it leaves the European Union, and to steer clear of getting entangled in any potential trade war, according to a column written by Professor Aaqil Ahmed with assistance from the office of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“The key is to rethink the European Union’s policy on palm oil, ” Aaqil said in a column for Bloomberg Opinion.

“A fresh attitude toward palm oil, unencumbered by influential special-interest groups, could lead to even better trade terms between the UK and the region than it currently enjoys. Even if a trade war transpires, that doesn’t mean the UK has to get caught in the crossfire.”

The world’s most used vegetable oil can be found in everything from cookies to shampoo and biofuel, but has come under constant fire from environmentalists.

The EU has imposed stricter limits on how palm oil can be used in green fuels, which is set to be challenged by the largest growers, Indonesia and Malaysia, through the World Trade Organisation and other avenues.

The column called for dialogue and engagement to achieve joint solutions, including better regulation and stronger certification standards. “This is why Malaysia hopes that a fair, honest and reciprocal trade relationship can be salvaged, ” Aaqil added.

“Making this a reality depends on the EU doing what several environmental experts have already advised – incentivise sustainable palm oil production rather than pursuing boycotts and protectionism.” — Bloomberg

Source : The Star