The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), the agency that has a focus on the marketing of locally-made timber products, is seeking to enhance the wood trade between Malaysia and the UAE.

The council is currently promoting local companies and their Malaysian timber wood at the Dubai WoodShow 2010, the Middle East's wood and wood products show, which opened today (April 13) to run until April 15 at Dubai Airport Expo.

Malaysia produces a diverse range of products, from sawn timber to semi-finished items such as quality flooring, doors, decking, mouldings, staircases other joinery timber products and furniture.

In 2009, despite the strong trading partnership between UAE and Malaysia, the economic downturn has taken a toll on the volume of Malaysian timber exported to the UAE. However, in 2009, total export of timber products from Malaysia to UAE stood at RM598.6 million ($185.5 million).

"MTC strives to raise the profile of the Malaysian timber industry globally by promoting Malaysia as a holistic and efficient one-stop sourcing centre,” said Khairul Anwar, director, Malaysian Timber Council.

“As part of our efforts to further expand and diversify our international trade, our presence here at Dubai WoodShow 2010 affords us an excellent opportunity to introduce Malaysian timber manufacturers to local and regional buyers and hopefully create a dynamic that will reinvigorate the trade between Malaysia and the UAE,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service