KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) will be organizing a marketing mission to Chennai and Bangalore, India, from 21 to 27 August 2016.

MTC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Nik will lead a delegation comprising 19 Malaysian timber product exporters to India. Eleven of the 19 manufacturers are first-time participants of this marketing mission.

MTC organizes marketing missions such as this from time to time to help Malaysian timber-based manufacturers to strengthen their presence and explore new business opportunities.

India was Malaysia’s third largest timber trading partner after Japan and the United States in 2015. The value of major timber and timber products imported by India from Malaysia amounted to RM1.9 billion, an increase of 6.3% compared with 2014.

“India holds huge promise as it is ranked as one of the top three most attractive investment destinations in the world. Its growing middle class and demand for timber as well as timber-based products have prompted MTC to open a regional office in India this year,” said Abdul Rahim.

After the ban on log exports in Myanmar in 2014, Indian importers shifted their focus to sawntimber, especially from Malaysia. Similarly, Malaysian joinery and panel products are sought-after in India.

MTC will be organizing seminars as well as B2B sessions in Chennai and Bangalore for the Malaysian manufacturers with the aim of strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the Indian timber market.
 

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.