Malaysian trade mission boosts exports

12 December 2014


A Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) marketing mission to Qatar, Oman and Kuwait has secured around RM6m worth of export orders.

Twelve companies participated in the visit to the three countries, where construction activity and demand for hardwood products has risen in recent years.

“The Middle East has become an increasingly important trading partner for the Malaysian timber sector,” said MTC director for trade promotion and development Dr Eric Ng.

He said last year exports to emerging markets, particularly the Middle East, grew in line with demand for sawn timber, MDF and wooden furniture. In 2013 the three countries accounted for 24% of Malaysia’s timber exports to the Gulf Co-operation Countries. The value of exports were Qatar RM67.2m, Oman RM96.8m and Kuwait RM112m.