FCCISL boosts bilateral ties with Malaysia Timber Council

Wednesday, 13 July 2011 00:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A business delegation comprising 11 leading companies engaged in timber industry from Malaysia visited Sri Lanka from 7 - 8 July 2011 which was organised by the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC). These companies mainly represented the sectors of plywood, MDF, particleboard, laminated scantlings, moldings, flooring, decking, door frames and window components.

The delegation’s main objectives of visiting Sri Lanka was to enhance trade relations and increase timber trade with Sri Lanka, disseminate information on the Malaysian timber industry, timber species and applications, exchange ideas and information on timber utilisation. Another major objective was to enhance networking with key and potential timber buyers and seek for joint venture opportunities.

The Small and Medium Enterprise Developers (SMED), the SME development arm of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) organised a seminar series in parallel to the delegation’s visit for information sharing and networking to achieve its objectives. The seminar and B2B meetings were held on 8 July, at Hilton, Colombo from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm. More than hundred professionals and industrialists such as architects, builders, contractors, designers, timber importers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors participated at this session. The Malaysian Acting High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Tan Li Lung inaugurated the event with the participation of Kumar Mallimaratchi-Acting President of FCCISL, S. K. Thum-Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MTC, George-President of Malaysian Timber Exporters Association, Adeline Goh-Senior Executive MTC, Upali Dharmadasa-President of Timber Merchants’ Association in Sri Lanka and FCCISL Board Members.

The seminar created a platform for diversified companies, service providers, traders and Malaysian timber producers those looking for business expansions and joint ventures to meet at one venue. An excellent seminar session was organised under four main topics to provide knowledge about Malaysian Timber Industry, its history, why and how it differs and its uniqueness, green concept association with Malaysian timber and inspiration of Malaysian timber industry.

The first topic, Malaysian Timber Industry discussed about Malaysian Timber Council, production background, sustainable forestry management practices in Malaysia, timber certification system and regulatory, timber industry contribution to Malaysian economy and Malaysian exports of timber products to Sri Lanka. Under the topic of “Using Malaysian Timbers -why and how”, the participants were made aware of strength, decorative appearance, durability, classification, choosing timbers and traditional and modern practices. Third and fourth sessions were based on the topics of “Going Green with Timber” and “Malaysian Timbers – Dramatic and Inspiring”.

B2B meetings were started in the second half of the programme and Sri Lankan business community was provided with a good opportunity to meet with business giants of Malaysian Timber Industry at individual level.