Labuan: Tawau is set to benefit from the Palmex International Exhibition and Conference 2013 (Palmex Malaysia 2013), which it will host from June 11-13.The event, touted as Malaysia's biggest palm oil exhibition, has succeeded in attracting 100 exhibitors.
Sabah's second largest town, Tawau, has never hosted any international event since its elevation into a district in the 80s, due to assumptions of logistics and geographical factors.
"Tawau has been the State's main palm oil producer for decades, with thousands of acres planted with oil palm.
"It has the potential to be on par with other developing districts, but needs continuous support from both the government and business community.
"It is a matter of pride that the district has been chosen as the preferred venue for an international event," Fireworks Asia Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Jerel Soo said.
The company is the organiser of the Palmex Malaysia 2013.
He said the international exhibition will drive Tawau to be known regionally, giving a boost to its business activities and economic development.
"Palmex Malaysia 2013 is expected to create a platform for both upstream and downstream palm oil companies to explore wider business opportunities.
"It will bring about 5,000 industry professionals to visit the strategic, operational and technological aspects of Sabah's oil palm industry, which is Malaysia's biggest, and that of Asean as a whole," he added.
Palmex Malaysia 2013 is endorsed by the Sabah State Government, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and the Association of Small Medium Enterprises Singapore.
Among the participants are those from Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, China and the United Kingdom.
The exhibition will feature the latest heavy machinery and technology being used in the downstream and upstream activities of the oil palm sector.
