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| Timber exports to exceed RM17b |
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2005/7/18
Malaysia’s timber products exports are expected to exceed RM17 billion this year from RM16.3 billion in 2003, on the back strong growth in the first half of 2004.
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui said timber products exports in the first six months of 2004 grew by 18% year-on-year to RM9.19 billion.
“If the trend persists, we can anticipate exports to surpass last year’s performance with more than RM17 billion in exports,” he told reporters after officiating a seminar in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 19.
Chin said a potential growth market for Malaysia was the European Union (EU), especially with the accession of 10 Eastern Europe countries last May.
The expansion of EU had created a market comprising 500 million people that have capital income averaging US$22,000 (RM83,600) per annum, he said.
Malaysia’s timber products exports to the EU in 2003 amounted to RM2.25 billion, making it the third largest market after Asia and the US.
Only products that meet the EU’s standard on safety and environmental protection will be allowed for sale in the region. Certified products would be given the CE marking.
Wood-based panel products has been affected by the new regulation since April 1, 2004.
Chin said only two Malaysian plywood companies had obtained the CE marking while three others were in the certification stage.
“This slow process is not encouraging because there are about 52 wood-based panel manufacturers who exports their products to Europe,” he said.
To speed up the certification process, government is currently in discussion with the relevant authorities in the EU to appoint Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) as a certification body.
On another matter, Malaysian Timber Industry Board acting deputy director general Khong Lye Fong said Malaysia would try to persuade members of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to vote against Indonesia's proposal that ramin wood be placed on a higher endangered list to make its trade regulation stricter.
The proposal was purportedly to deter illegal logging of ramin in Indonesia. If Indonesia's proposal were approved by CITES, exports of Malaysian-grown ramin would be affected, said Khong. Malaysia exports about RM300 million of ramin products annually.
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| Source:http://www.woodbusinessportal.com/ |
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