EXPO 2020 DUBAI TO ENHANCE TIES BETWEEN MALAYSIAN-UAE TIMBER PLAYERS

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 -- The Expo 2020 Dubai will be a good platform to enhance ties between the timber industry players in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) director-general Mahpar Atan said the agency plans to promote Agarwood, a fragrant resinous wood, for use in the perfume industry.

The board will also display wood crafting and engraving using laser-cutting technology in a bid to woo more business to these sectors.

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia (MOSTI) is leading Malaysia’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) bringing together 21 ministries, five state governments and 70 agencies to promote over 10 industries with the participation of over 300 companies all housed inside the Malaysia Pavilion.

Among the agencies are the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) and the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC).

Inspiration for the Malaysia Pavilion, which features elements of interconnected canopies and a meandering river, came from its majestic rainforests, according to a joint statement from MTIB, MTC and MTCC.

One of Malaysia’s prized hardwoods, Meranti, which was used for the construction of the pavilion, was sponsored by the MTC. It was sourced from under the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) - Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, MTC chairman Norrida Yusoff said.

Malaysia has always recognised the importance of managing its forest resources wisely, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

The Sustainable Forest Management system has been part and parcel of Malaysia’s forestry practices since 1901.

Meanwhile, MTCC chief executive officer Siti Syaliza Mustapha said the council’s role in developing and operating the certification scheme shows Malaysia’s commitment to produce timber-based products from sustainable sources and to keep to its 1992 Rio Summit promise to ensure that 50 per cent of its total land area remains under forest cover.

Currently, 55.3 per cent of the country’s land area remains under forest cover.

“MTCC will highlight the achievements of the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme in fulfilling the sustainable development goals both in Malaysia and globally,’’ she said.

-- BERNAMA