FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MATRADE AND MTC LED SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS MATCHINGS AT
THE MALAYSIAN WOOD EXPO 2023 – FUELING MALAYSIAN TIMBER
INDUSTRY GROWTH.
FRIDAY, 23 JUNE 2023, KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) through a collaboration with the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) had successfully matched 88 Malaysian exporters of woodbased products with foreign buyers from 23 countries which resulted in RM147 million of export value from 773 business meetings held.
The business meetings were held in conjunction with the Malaysian Wood Expo (MWE) 2023 organised by MTC on 19 June 2023 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Foreign buyers flew in from Bahrain, Canada, Chile, China, France, Hungary, India, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Maldives, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkiye, UAE, UK and USA. The products sourced by these foreign buyers were plywood, medium density fibreboard (MDF), veneer, wooden doors, wooden floorings, and furniture products.
Puan Sharimahton Mat Saleh, MATRADE’s Deputy Chief Executive of Export Acceleration said, “We are honoured to join forces with MTC as the collaboration highlights the strength of strategic partnership in accelerating and boosting exports for Malaysian wood industry players.” She added, “All Malaysian exporters are urged to leverage MATRADE’s export initiatives to stay resilient amidst global challenges”.
MTC Chairman Tuan Haji Zainal Abidin Haji Abdullah said, “We are steadfast in our commitment to nurture the growth of the Malaysian timber industry. Both MATRADE and MTC will continue to provide valuable platforms and initiatives for Malaysian companies to expand their export opportunities and strengthen their global presence.”
In 2022, the exports of Malaysian timber and timber products grew by 10.6% to RM25.21 billion which was the highest earnings recorded by the timber industry in recent years. The major timber-based products exported from Malaysia were wooden furniture, plywood, sawntimber, fibreboard and Builders’ Joinery & Carpentry (BJC). Among the top export destinations include the United States, Japan, and China.
Malaysian companies who are keen to take part in MATRADE programmes are encouraged to contact MATRADE via email at info@matrade.gov.my, visit MATRADE’s social media channels or go to www.matrade.gov.my for more details.
For more information about the Malaysian Timber Council’s programmes, initiatives, and support services, visit www.mtc.com.my or email at council@mtc.com.my.
**END**
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Issued by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
On Thursday, 22 June 2023
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NOTE TO EDITORS
For more information, please contact:
Corporate Communication Unit
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
Tel (Direct): 03 – 6207 7826
Email: communication@matrade.gov.my
About MATRADE
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) was established on March 1, 1993 as the external trade promotion arm of Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). Its functions are:
• To promote, assist and develop Malaysia’s external trade with particular emphasis on the export of manufactured and semi-manufactured products and services;
• To formulate and implement export marketing strategies and trade promotion activities to promote Malaysia’s export;
• To undertake commercial intelligence and market research and create a comprehensive database of information for the improvement and development of Malaysia’s trade;
• To organise training programmes to improve the international marketing skills of Malaysian exporters;
• To enhance and protect Malaysia’s international trade investment abroad; and
• To promote, facilitate and assist in the services areas related to trade.
About the Malaysian Timber Council
The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) was established in January 1992 to promote the development and growth of the Malaysian timber industry globally. MTC’s main objectives are to promote the Malaysian timber trade and develop the market for timber products globally, to promote the development of the industry by upgrading the industry’s manufacturing technology base, to augment the supply of raw materials, to provide information services and to protect and improve the Malaysian timber industry’s global image. Further information on the Council’s activities can be obtained from www.mtc.com.my.
