Saudi Arabia-based food companies will make their presence at the first “Malaysia-UAE Palm Oil Trade Fair & Seminar (POTS) 2008.

POTS 2008 will be held on May 26-27 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai.

Major companies include Al-Qassim Food Factory and Savola Edible Oil, among others, looking for opportunities at the event in line with the increasing demand for Malaysian palm oil in the Kingdom and its rapid growth as a leading center for refining and distribution of the product to the Middle East, a Saudi Gazette report said.

Malaysian palm oil exports to the Kingdom are expected to increase in 2008 from the 33,000 metric tons recorded in 2007, according to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC).

The event will feature plenary lectures on issues concerning the regional Malaysian palm oil trade, including prices, health benefits, challenges, shipping and marketing, and current market trends.

In addition, the seminar will also offer powerful projections and strategies for the participating companies on topics such as “Shipment Of Palm Oil Within The Middle East - Post IMO Regulations,” which will be delivered by Francis Tan, KL Maritime Sdn Bhd, Malaysia.