Japan to invest in palm oil plantation in Jambi

Japan, Asia's second largest importer of palm oil, has expressed its interest in investing in the palm oil industry in Jambi.

Palm oil is among Jambi’s most important industries. The region is currently enjoying stable economic growth. The province currently operates 515,300 hectares of palm oil plantations.

The director of the Asia Fair Society Planning Organization, Murata Takuyo, said Sunday during a visit to the province that he came all the way from Japan to directly observe the prospects for the palm oil industry.

Murata also said that he wanted to scrutinize bureaucratic transparency in the province.

Murata also visited local palm oil company PT Brahmana Binabakti Muaro. Murata said that his organization might be interested in future cooperation with the company.

President Director of PT Brahmana Binabakti Budiarto said that his company would gladly accept Japan's invitation to cooperate.

“We are glad because Japan chose to visit us over many other palm oil companies. It means that our company has been acknowledged as Jambi's main asset,” Budiarto said.

Haviz Husaini, from the Jambi government, said that the provincial administration warmly welcomed Japan's plans to invest in the area.

“We are really open the possibility of cooperation with Japan. I hope the plans will be realized," Haviz said. (riz/lfr)