PRESS RELEASE
Malaysia signs International Cocoa Agreement 2010 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA
New York, 5 August 2013 – The Government of Malaysia today renewed its membership of the International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA. YBhg. Datuk Hussein Haniff, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to the United Nations, signed the International Cocoa Agreement 2010 on behalf of the Government of Malaysia. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Chief of the Treaty Section of the United Nations, Mr. Santiago Villalpando.
Malaysia has been a member of ICCO since 1994 through the signing of the International Cocoa Agreement 1993 and its subsequent renewal in 2001. The 2010 Agreement represents a successful culmination of long and intense negotiations among members of ICCO since 2008. The primary objective of this renewed Agreement is to strengthen international cooperation between producers and consumers in the cocoa sector. It provides for the streamlining of the governing structure of ICCO in order to enhance its efficiency, inclusiveness and ability to address current challenges. As such, a broad-based Consultative Board on the World Cocoa Economy, with clearly defined functions has been created through the Agreement. The Board has an important role to play in tackling the challenges facing the cocoa economy on issues such as promotion of consumption, food safety and sustainability.
The new Agreement is expected to lead to an increase in the income of cocoa farmers as well as support cocoa producers in improving the functioning of their cocoa economies. It is also envisaged that the new Agreement will deliver cocoa of better quality, taking into account food safety standards and the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability so that farmers are rewarded for producing cocoa that meets ethical and environmental standards.
The cocoa industry still remains as an integral commodity in Malaysia. In 2011 and 2012, the industry contributed 3% or RM4.2 billion of Malaysia’s total commodity export revenue, which is the fourth largest after palm oil, rubber and timber. Malaysia is expected to retain its position as the largest cocoa products manufacturer in the Asia Pacific region. It exports its cocoa products to more than 80 countries all over the world.
The signing of this agreement is a reflection of the Government’s commitment towards the progress of the national cocoa industry through sustainable cocoa production and consumption.
Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the UN
New York
5 August 2013