M'SIAN TIMBER AND TIMBER PRODUCT EXPORTS TO BE BETTER THIS YEAR, SAYS MINISTER

KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 (Bernama) -- The export of Malaysian timber and timber
products is expected to record a better performance this year, in line with the
global economic recovery, says Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister
Bernard Dompok.

"The demand from major markets is picking up. We expect exports
for this year to be better," he told reporters after the official launch of
the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) Global WorldMart 2010 here Monday.

Malaysian timber and timber product exports for 2009 dropped to RM19.4
billion (US$1=RM3.4) compared with RM22.79 billion in 2008, as demand was
affected by the global economic slowdown.

Among the major export destinations for Malaysian timber and timber products
are the United States,Japan and the European Union.

The MTC Global WorldMart 2010, from Oct 19-20 at the KL Convention Centre
(KLCC) here, is being organised for the first time in South East Asia for
international timber suppliers and buyers to meet and conduct business.

Apart from facilitating business among local and overseas suppliers, agents,
distributors, importers, manufacturers, wholesalers and others in the supply
chain, the event is also to promote and encourage the wider application and
use of timber from Malaysia as well as international sources.

MTC's Chief Executive Officer Cheah Kam Huan said about 1,000 trade
visitors, locally and internationally, had been taget to attend the event.

"We have also target about 20 local and international exhibitors to
participate in the MTC Global WorldMart," he explained.

Cheah said the MTC plans to organise the event biennially.

The MTC Global WoodMart 2010 will feature a wide selection of tropical and
temperate hardwood and softwood products such as logs, sawtimber, plywood and
panel products, wooden flooring, wooden decking, doors and windows as well as
mouldings and furniture components.

-- BERNAMA



Delete & Prev | Delete & Next