SIBU: Sarawak hopes to sustain the export value of its timber and timber products at the RM7.2 billion level this year.
The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corp (STIDC) in the first issue of its quarterly newsletter this year said this was feasible due to favourable economic situations in the major consuming countries.
STIDC said Japan will increase its demand for timber and timber products as Tokyo will be hosting the 2020 Olympic Games.
“As such, Japan is poised to intensify infrastructure development to upgrade the Games’ facilities,” it said.
The corporation said on its own, concerted efforts will continue to sustain the state’s position as a major exporter of tropical timber products in the region.
“These include organising more timber-selling missions and participation in both national and international exhibitions.
“STIDC will also embark on research to formulate a masterplan to strengthen the role of small and medium enterprises in the wood-based downstream industry,” it said.
The state government also has a series of plans and programmes to boost exports, it said.
“The Malaysian Timber Council and the Malaysian Furniture Promotion Council are now, for instance, vigorously promoting Malaysian timber overseas.
“Plans are in the pipeline to regian lost markets besides going into new emerging markets,” STIDC said.
Meanwhile, from January to September 2013, Sarawak earned export value of RM5.4 billion for its timber and timber products.
Among its three main export items were plywood/veneer (RM2.2 billion), logs (RM800 million) and sawn timber (RM328 million).
During the period, Japan emerged as the biggest buyer (RM2.1 billion) followed by India (RM825 million), Taiwan (RM619 million), West Asia (RM422 million) and South Korea (RM380 million). — Bernama