The 51st international COCOTECH Conference and Exhibition 2024 is the largest technical conference dedicated solely to showcasing the different development activities in the coconut sector. The conference is conducted once every two years. This year it is organized jointly by the International Coconut Community (ICC) and the Ministry of Trade, Republic of Indonesia, which provides hosting facilities. Many ICC member countries that have experienced hosting this event in earlier years are India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu, Vietnam, and Thailand. The major goal of this event is to provide a platform for sharing of experience, expertise, technology and also spark creative ideas among academic scientists, engineers, researchers and industry players that will encourage future cooperation among attendees.
The 51st COCOTECH Conference & Exhibition is held from 22–25 July 2024 at Westin Hotel, Surabaya, Indonesia. The 2024 theme is “Harnessing Coconut Potential as the Tree of Life and Green Energy”. Recognizing the vast potential of coconut in driving sustainable development, this theme underscores the critical importance of leveraging coconuts not only as a food source but also as a cornerstone of renewable energy solutions to foster a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape.
The inaugural address was delivered by H.E. Ir. H. Joko Widodo, President, the Republic of Indonesia. The green economy in the coconut industry offers great opportunities for Indonesia. With a coconut plantation area of more than three million hectares and an annual production of 2.8 million tons, Indonesia has significant potential. To increase coconut production, it is important to ensure seed quality, maintenance, and effective harvesting methods. Down streaming is the key to increasing the added value of coconut products, supporting industry, and creating jobs. He invited the international coconut community to work together in advancing a sustainable coconut industry and supporting the global green economy.
The welcome address was delivered by H. E. DR. (HC). ZULKIFLI HASAN, S.E., MM., Minister of Trade, Republic of Indonesia. He mentioned that downstreaming can increase the added value of commodities. We also must stop merely exporting raw coconut. Currently, we are exporting nata de coco, charcoal, and coconut shells. Therefore, this event offers participants opportunities to discuss innovations and share best practices in the coconut sector.
Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw, Executive Director, ICC, underlined that the International Coconut Community (ICC) is committed to supporting the development of technological and product innovations, comprehensive standards, capacity building and policy tools that enhance productivity, and maximizing the socio-economic and ecological benefits of coconuts. ICC’s goal is to ensure that the coconut sector continues to thrive and contribute to global sustainability and food security efforts, providing a greener future for all.
The important topics above will be covered by the high caliber of eminent resource persons that include experts in the fields of agriculture, industry, commerce, biotechnology, chemistry, clinical science, and much more. Diverse, appropriate, and useful information, knowledge, and technologies would be imparted from these resource persons with a great wealth of experience as well as their respective levels of expertise.
The subjects covered in the eight Sessions during the Conference by 39 eminent resource speakers, will share their ideas, knowledge, and experience to assist in preparing farming communities to counter the challenges and maximize benefits from the opportunities that are presented. Mr. Jatmiko B. Witjaksono, Director General of Trade Negotiation, Ministry of Trade, Republic of Indonesia was Chair of the first session of the first day of COCOTECH, on policy frameworks and international support for the sustainable growth and development of the agriculture and coconut sectors. The second session is on promoting Technological Advances in Coconut-Based Industries.
An exhibition is also arranged in which the development departments, farmer organizations and industry stakeholders will showcase the latest technology development of food and non-food products, services, machinery, and build brand proximity. A daily business matching to connect companies and people with common business interests, create valuable business relationships, and strengthen business networks is also provided. There are 36 private sector and government booths from six member countries with around 600 participants from 31 countries. On the first day, COCOTECH also presented ICC awards to five inspiring coconut entrepreneurs, farmers, and manufacturers.