 |
 MTC Global WoodMart Debut a Huge Hit with Exhibitors and VisitorsKuala Lumpur, October 22 – The Malaysian Timber Council's (MTC) Global WoodMart 2010 (MGW 2010) made a very successful debut in the trade fair scene of Southeast Asia on 19 October 2010. The two-day fair featured 108 exhibitors from Malaysia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, UAE, UK, Uruguay and USA. MGW 2010 is aimed at promoting timbers of temperate, boreal and tropical species under one roof for the first time in South East Asia, for international timber suppliers and buyers to meet and conduct business. The premier one-stop selling, buying and networking fair was officiated by His Honourable Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, the Malaysian Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, on 19 October 2010. The two-day event was held from 19 - 20 October 2010 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). MGW 2010 received overwhelming response from both local and international suppliers and buyers with a registration of 2,046 visitors over the two-day period. Trade buyers came from 50 countries, with sizable representations from Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand, and the UAE. In commenting on the results of the show which exceeded expectations, MTC CEO Cheah Kam Huan said that "It is the right time for a show like the MGW to be launched in Southeast Asia. Malaysia herself is a big importer of US$640 million worth of timber products from the US, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Ghana and elsewhere in 2009." Although Malaysia herself is a major producer of timber, Malaysia sees an enormous opportunity in pooling together resources to meet the growing demand for timber products in a highly globalised and environmentally-conscious market. Sourcing and utilising off-shore wood sources complements domestic supplies from plantation and sustainably managed forests. Imported non-tropical wood species also adds diversity and value to Malaysia's timber products to contribute towards the Government's goal of achieving RM53 billion of timber exports by the year 2020 under the National Timber Industry Policy (NATIP) launched in 2009. MGW's other aim is to bring industry members in the Asian region - particularly from China, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore - closer to facilitate cooperation on resources. For example, on 20 October at the MGW event, an MOU was signed between Malaysia (represented by Malaysian Timber Industry Board, Malaysian Timber Council and Malaysian Furniture Promotion Council) and Thailand (represented by Thai Parawood Association and Wood Processing Club, Federation of Thai Industries) on establishing a Joint Committee to look into the development of rubberwood-based industry in both countries. Thirdly, Cheah added that the MGW is also meant to get wood producers, traders and users together to unite in their common love for timber, and to forge a closer collaboration for the generic promotion of wood between MTC and all major timber-based associations, like the American Hardwood Export Council, French Timber and other timber-based associations. The next MTC Global WoodMart will be held in October 2012. All the exhibitors said that they would definitely participate again in the next show, perhaps even with a bigger booth, and commended MTC for making MGW a highly-focused fair and for the high quality of trade visitors attending the fair. For further information and updates, please go to www.globalwoodmart.my. [PLEASE ALSO SEE APPENDICES FOR FAIR STATISTICS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION] About MTCThe Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) was established in January 1992 to promote the development and growth of the Malaysian timber industry. MTC was formed on the initiative of the timber industry. It is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act 1965. The Council is governed by a Board of Trustees, whose members are appointed by the Minister of Plantation Industries & Commodities. 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 or contact: Ms Suria Zainal Tel : (+603) 9281 1999 APPENDIX 1: WHAT THE EXHIBITORS SAID ABOUT MGW 2010 "We were very happy with our participation in the MTC Global Woodmart. Through enquiries received, we hope to expand our client base, particularly in the Middle East, Poland and other Eastern European countries. We will definitely participate in the next show." - Allen Lim, General Manager, Lionex (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd "The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) is proud to be associated with MTC in the inaugural Global WoodMart. Our members were very happy with the quality of trade enquiries received and look forward to participating in the next show. I believe this debut show is a huge success and my thanks and congratulations to MTC, its staff and associates who have worked hard to put together an excellent, highly-focused show in nine short months!" – John Chan, Regional Director for Southeast Asia & Greater China, AHEC, Hong Kong "We would like to thank you and your staff for establishing the MTC Global WoodMart. We found the exhibitors to be very informative and helpful. It gave us an opportunity to revisit some old relationships and to start some new relationships. We found this exhibition to be invaluable to the growth of Acacia Timber Products for years to come."- Jason Howarth, Acacia Timber Products, Australia "I would like to thank you and your team for the excellent work they have done to organize the exhibition. My colleagues, our group of supplying partners and all visitors were all full of praise. APP Timber will certainly be present again two years from now and we might even take a bigger stand." - Michael Hermens, General Manager, APP Timber, Malaysia "The MTC Global Woodmart 2010 truly demonstrated the significance of Malaysia's position in the global industry. The professionalism was clearly evident, from the building of the stands right through to the quality and the global reach of those attending - it was akin to being at the very heart of the global industry. There was a tremendous amount of interest and through traffic for the stand, and in terms of a learning process even some of my more basic questions were answered fully by people willing to share their experiences. I would say it was two fantastic days and time very well spent! Thank you." - Simon Denby, Director, Ricycled Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, Malaysia "As a first show, I would consider the MGW 2010 highly successful. The concept and format was conducive for business, and the size was just right for a two-day event. One of our members exhibited at the show and they were practically on their feet most of the time, attending to many trade enquiries. As an association, we will definitely consider participating in the next show." – Freddie Ng, President, Singapore Timber Association
APPENDIX 2: LISTING OF VISITORS TO MGW 2010 (BY COUNTRY)*
*Preliminary unaudited figures. |
 5 April 2011 4 April 2011 4 April 2011 19 November 2010 19 November 2010 19 November 2010 8 March 2010 |
Organiser: |
Endorsed by:  |
Supported by:       |
Official Media Partner:      |
Official Partner Organisation:  |