Malaysian Wood Expo 2023 a success story for MTC

KUALA LUMPUR: It was yet again another masterstroke by the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) as one of its flagship programmes, the Malaysian Wood Expo (MWE) 2023, concluded on a high note, leaving an indelible mark on the timber industry while sparking a wave of innovation and collaboration.

Jointly organised by MTC and Pablo Publishing and Exhibition Pte Ltd, MWE 2023, which was held from June 18-20, 2023 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), surpassed expectations and did better on all counts, generating far more sales than its debut trade show back in 2019.

MWE’s sales in 2023 reached an impressive RM182.5 million, marking a significant increase compared to its sales of approximately RM140 million in 2019.

With over 3,000 visitors and 124 local and international exhibitors, MWE 2023’s sales achievement was largely driven by its Incoming Buying Mission (IBM) which was one of the major highlights of the Expo where it garnered sales of RM147.8 million. The IBM, which was conducted in collaboration with Matrade, involved 88 buyers from 23 countries. A total of 773 business meetings took place during the IBM.

Another “stellar performer” was MTC’s Inbound Overseas Suppliers Programme where 21 companies placed orders worth RM6.4 million for raw materials under this programme while MWE 2023 exhibitors recorded sales of RM28.3 million.

Expressing his satisfaction with the Expo’s remarkable success, Zainal Abidin Abdullah, chairman of the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), said MWE has proven to be a lucrative platform for business networking and trade opportunities.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our achievements which have far surpassed our previous success.

“We made a promise that MWE 2023 would offer greater opportunities for our visitors, buyers, and exhibitors.

“I believe we have delivered on that promise,” said Zainal.

He added that the success of MWE 2023 reflects how the timber industry is gaining momentum globally with stakeholders putting forward strong investment plans which is also creating demand for Malaysian-made products.

MWE 2023 was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Siti Aminah Aching on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Sri Fadillah Yusof.

“I am delighted to see the robust comeback of MWE just a year after Malaysia re-opened its borders following the pandemic.

“Expos like MWE play a crucial role in bringing together global industry players to offer new solutions and concrete business opportunities for the advancement of the timber industry,” said Fadillah in his speech read by Siti Aminah.

MWE 2023 showcased raw materials and wood products such as wooden flooring, mouldings, doors, door frames and windows, panel products as well as woodworking machinery such as cutting tools, combined machines, dust collection equipment, edgebanding materials and machines, handling equipment, abrasives, adhesives, coatings, timberrelated equipment, and furniture production software, among others.

MTC also offered special incentives for the purchase of machinery which included material handling equipment and software technologies. A total of RM26.12 million in sales was generated through this programme, surpassing the figures achieved in 2019.