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Workers at the PT Green Enterprises Indonesia coconut oil facility in Batu City Village, East Simeulue, Aceh, were pictured washing coconut flesh for processing into pure coconut oil on Tuesday (1/2/2022). (ANTARA FOTO/SYIFA YULINNAS) - 

VOInews, Jakarta : The Ministry of Trade and the International Coconut Community (ICC) are co-hosting the 51st Cocotech international conference and exhibition in Surabaya, East Java, from July 22-25, 2024.

This event, which will take place from July 22–25, 2024, in Surabaya, East Java, aims to propel the development of a green economy for coconut commodities.

Director general of international trade negotiations, Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono, highlighted that the conference will address key global issues impacting the coconut industry.

In a statement released by the ministry in Jakarta on Thursday, he informed that the issues include international policies and support for the development of a sustainable coconut sector.

These include international policies and support for sustainable practices, alongside advancements in technology and the potential of coconut-based renewable energy solutions to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

According to Witjaksono, the activity will bring together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including academics or researchers, government officials, private sector players, and coconut industry observers.

The goal is to collaboratively develop solutions and strengthen the industry's resilience and long-term sustainability.

Cocotech, a biannual flagship event, serves as a platform for decision-makers within and beyond the coconut sector. This year's edition prioritizes sustainable practices and the well-being of coconut farmers.

"As the host, Indonesia is expected to be a catalyst for positive change within the coconut industry," Witjaksono said.

The international conference and exhibition is scheduled to be opened by President Joko Widodo, accompanied by the Minister of Trade, Zulkifli Hasan.

Themed "Utilizing the Potential of Coconut as a Tree of Life and Green Energy," Cocotech is expected to be attended by 400 participants, consisting of delegates from ICC member and non-member countries, as well as coconut commodity experts from across the world.

Indonesia is the second-largest coconut producer in the world after the Philippines, with total production reaching 2.83 million metric tons (MT) in 2023.

The same year, Indonesian coconut exports to the world were valued at US$1.55 billion, accounting for 38.3 percent of total global exports.

The main export destinations for Indonesian coconuts include China, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Indonesia's main export products in the coconut sector consist of coconut oil derivatives, coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut charcoal, and grated coconut//ANTARA-VOI