Matang Mangrove Management PDF
Matang Mangrove Management PDF
Matang Mangrove Management PDF
Dear Readers,
With the endorsement, the MTCs has become the first tropical timber certification
2 MTC’s
NEWS scheme in the Asia Pacific region to be endorsed by the PEFC.
Ice-Breaking
Sessions With The New
Minister
3 Dialogue
Activities
On Financing
6 Matang
FEATURE
Mangroves: A
Century of Sustainable
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news
2
N
evertheless, within a short time, the Minister has managed
to get acquainted with the main players of the various
sub-sectors of the industry. MTC organised a series of
events in June 2009 in an effort to introduce the Council
to the newly-appointed Minister.
H
eld on 20 May 2009, the dialogue, chaired by BNM
Assistant Governor, Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim, was
well attended by 42 bankers and 25 members from the
wood-based industry. MTC CEO, Mr. Cheah Kam Huan
led the representation of the timber industry, and MTC Senior
Director for Trade Promotion and Marketing, Mr. SK Tham
made a presentation on the Malaysian timber industry.
Backgrounder: PEFC
PEFC is a framework for the assessment and endorsement of national forest certification systems that have been developed based on
internationally recognised requirements for sustainable forest management. Since its launch in 1999, PEFC has become the largest forest
certification umbrella organisation covering national systems from all over the world, delivering hundreds of millions of tonnes of wood to
the processing industry and then onto the market place from currently more than 200 million hectares of certified forests. This is an area
larger than the combined forest area of all European Union member states. PEFC has strong grassroots support from many stakeholders
including the forestry sector, governments, trade associations, trade unions and non-governmental organisations.
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Datuk Dr. Freezailah Che Yeom Dr. Freezailah added that the endorsement enables the MTCS to achieve
Photo credit: MTCC. mutual recognition with 26 other PEFC-endorsed certification schemes. This
means that the MTCS-certified timber product manufacturers and exporters
will soon be able to combine PEFC-certified material from Malaysia with other
PEFC-certified material under the PEFC logo.
“The endorsement is further testimony that the MTCS has made tremendous
progress and improvements since it began operation in October 2001. I would
like to attribute this success to the hard work of the MTCC management and
staff, as well as all the Malaysian stakeholder groups for their contributions
and inputs which have been very helpful in improving the scheme to meet the
requirements of the PEFC”, added Dr. Freezailah.
Note: The full report of the conformity assessment of the MTCS can be
obtained from the PEFC website at www.pefc.org.
This success is attributed to the hard work of the MTCC management and staff, as well as all the Malaysian
stakeholder groups for their contributions and inputs. Photo credit: MTCC.
M
atang Mangroves is located in the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, within
the administrative district of Larut Matang, and Krian in the State of Perak. Larut Matang
won the Ministry of Primary Industries (now renamed as Ministry of Plantation Industries
and Commodities) 1996/1997 Green Award for the Best Managed Forest District in
Peninsular Malaysia.
Up to 73.6 per cent have been classified as productive forest while the balance of 26.4 per
cent consists of non-productive or protected forest. The productive forests are assigned for the
purpose of timber production and the non-productive forests are for the purpose of bio-diversity
conservation, erosion mitigation, research and education, recreation, local community’s needs
and settlement.
Numerous waterways including rivers forming important means of transport divide the forest
reserve where more than 85 per cent are tidal swamps, which are naturally flooded during high
tide. Its complex and fragile ecosystem plays an important role in conserving the bio-diversity of
the flora and fauna in the forest reserve.
Numerous waterways including rivers forming important means of transport divide the forest reserve where more than 85 per cent are tidal
swamps, which are naturally flooded during high tide.
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Other fauna found in Matang includes the Smooth Otter (Lutra perspicillata). Matang’s Dryland
Forest is rich in mammals such as Leopard Cat (Felis bengalensis), Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca
fascicularis), Silvered Langur (Presbytis cristata), and a variety of bats, squirrels, civets, mongooses,
pangolins and wild boars. Underwater, Matang Mangroves’ wildlife is equally rich; scientists have
identified 114 species of fish, 20 species of prawns and 48 species of crabs.
Small channels usually bring in large quantities of Lenggadai (Bruguiera parviflora) propagules. Being
opportunistic plants, they take root very quickly in areas that had been clear-felled, impairing the growth of
Bakau. Another Bruguiera species that occurs mainly seawards is the Bruguiera cylindrica (Seaward Berus
Forest). As it is inferior to Rhizophora as a raw material for charcoal production, large areas of this species
remain unexploited.
Tree-Harvesting Rotation
In Matang Mangroves, productive forests are clear-felled once they reach 30 years old. This has been in
practice since 1950. Silviculture practices see intermediate felling carried out twice, i.e. during years 15 and
years 20. Where necessary, intensive planting is done two years after final felling. The 30-year rotation gives
the highest net return on capital value. Most of the present stands within the productive areas of Matang
Mangroves consist of second rotation crop except for an approximate 15% of the total area.
Yield
Yield regulation serves to ensure a constant supply of greenwood as raw material for the charcoal industry
in the State, which is concentrated in the Kuala Sepetang district. It also ensures that only economically
productive areas are harvested. At the same time, it provides assurance to contractors that areas allocated to
them yield a minimum volume of greenwood.
Silviculture
Yield regulation serves to ensure a constant supply of greenwood as raw
The objective of silviculture practices in Matang material for the charcoal industry in Perak.
Mangrove is to create a sustainable high-yielding
stand of the highest ecological framework of a
dynamic mangrove forest. The system employed
in Matang Mangroves is referred to as the Clear
Felling and Planting silviculture system.
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Socio-Economics
Charcoal is Matang Mangroves’ primary economic timber product. The estimated annual value of charcoal
during 2000-2009 is RM27.2 million. Besides its usage as fuel, charcoal is also further processed into other
products such as soap, cigarette filters, shoe soles and water filters.
Matang Mangroves is the largest supplier of mangrove poles in Peninsular Malaysia. The poles are used as
piling materials in housing and construction. The expected annual value of poles during 2000-2009 is RM2.6
million.
Others products from Matang Mangroves include the making of shingles (attap)
from the fronds of Nipah and also wood vinegar, which is a by-product of
converting greenwood to charcoal, produced exclusively for the Japanese market.
CONSERVATION
To preserve the environmental protective function of Matang Mangroves, buffer zones have been established.
These buffer zones also serve various other functions, such as:
s PROTECTING THE RIVER BANKS FROM EXCESSIVE EROSION
s MINIMISING THE IMPACT OF CLEAR
FELLING OPERATIONS ON THE MARINE ECOSYSTEM
s PREVENTING UNNECESSARY LOSS TO THE MOST ACCESSIBLE PRODUCTIVE FOREST AREAS
s ACTING AS A SOURCE OF PROPAGULES FOR THE IMMEDIATE FELLED AREAS AND
s PROVIDING A PLEASANT LANDSCAPE FOR VISITORS AND TOURISTS
To further conserve the primarily important Rhizophoraceae, a pristine area of 42 hectares of predominantly
Rhizophoraceae forest has been designated a Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR) since the formulation of the first
10-Year Working Plan. Rhizophora trees in the VJR attain an average girth of 115cm at breast height and total
height of 28m.
Mangrove itself is a unique ecosystem, which requires special attention and management. Its location, which
is between the land and the sea, plays an important role in fisheries, coastal protection and conservation of
biodiversity of both flora and fauna. This is no different in Matang, where it has been a provider of numerous
renewable products of commercial value, which have generated economic opportunities for the local
communities.
The reservation of Matang Mangroves started way back in 1902 and continued until the full gazettment of the
present area by 1906 makes it a national heritage and asset. After a hundred years, Matang Mangroves are
the best-managed mangrove forests in the world and are a living proof that sustainable management of this
ecosystem can preserve its numerous environmental, economic and social roles.
Source:
s -ATANG -ANGROVES ! #ENTURY OF 3USTAINABLE -ANAGEMENT s -ATANG -ANGROVE &OREST BY 0ERAK 3TATE &ORESTRY $EPARTMENT
s %IGHTH -ALAYSIA 0LAN
s .INTH -ALAYSIA 0LAN
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Malaysia’s Green
Building Index Launched
W
hen PAM and ACEM started drafting the green building criteria
in 2008, they drew upon industry views and existing schemes
such as Singapore’s Green Mark, Australia’s Green Star and
the United States’ Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED). A private company, Greenbuildingindex Sdn Bhd
(GSB), has been formed to manage the certification scheme.
This award-winning house in Kuang, Selangor incorporates a rainwater harvesting system and 100% recycled timber in its design and construction.
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The GBI calls for sustainable site planning and management, which include open spaces and landscaping.
(5) Water efficiency: rainwater harvesting, water recycling and water-saving fittings.
The first listing of the GBI would be out in August 2009, based on a pilot project involving
the assessment of 11 buildings, ranging from office towers to malls, mixed developments
and even a car showroom.
The interior of a house in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, where the minimal use of fans and air-conditioning is achieved through architectural elements that
shade the house. This idea of achieving low dependency on mechanical cooling has resulted in significant savings in electricity bills for the owners.
feature
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A GBI certification criteria is also planned for existing buildings and new
Murray Grove. Photo credit: Waugh Thistleton.
townships. This means old buildings which are retrofitted to be energy
efficient and less polluting can apply for the GBI award in future.
Having strips of timber placed vertically as bars in place of walls allows for cross-ventilation for natural
cooling of the interior of this award-winning house in Shah Alam, Selangor.
global community
19
UN Forum on Forests UNCSD
The two-week UNFF8 was attended by over 600 participants. The CSD 17 focused on the thematic cluster of agriculture, rural
Photo credit: IISD. development, land, drought, desertification and Africa. Photo credit: IISD.
The eighth session of the United Nations Forum on Forests The 17th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable
(UNFF8) was held on 20 April - 1 May 2009 at the UN Development (CSD 17), which convened on 4-15 May 2009,
headquarters in New York. Over 600 participants attended the was held at the UN headquarters in New York.
two-week session, to address:
s FORESTS IN A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT INCLUDING FORESTS AND The CSD meets annually in two-year “Implementation
climate change, reversing the loss of forest cover and Cycles,” with each cycle focusing on one thematic cluster
degradation, and forests and biodiversity conservation; and alongside cross-sectoral issues. This approach was outlined
s MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION FOR SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT in a multi-year programme of work (2004-2017) adopted
(SFM). at CSD 11 in 2003. Each cycle is comprised of a Review
At the end of the session, delegates adopted a resolution on Year and a Policy Year. CSD 16, in May 2008, conducted
forests in a changing environment, enhanced cooperation and a review of barriers and constraints in implementation,
cross-sectoral policy and programme coordination, and regional as well as lessons learned and best practices, in relation
and subregional inputs. Delegates did not agree on a decision on to the thematic cluster. CSD 17 negotiated policy
financing for SFM, and decided to forward bracketed negotiating recommendations based on CSD 16’s review of the issues
text to the Forum’s next session, scheduled to be held in January 2011. and the development of a draft Chair’s Negotiating Text
during an Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting, which
During the meeting, delegates also participated in two Multi- convened in February 2009.
stakeholder Dialogues, and panel discussions on forests and
biodiversity, climate change and desertification, the financial crisis The agenda for CSD 17 covered a complex cluster of
and SFM, and regional perspectives on forests in a changing
interrelated issues - agriculture, rural development, land,
environment. While the discussions on financing did not lead to
drought, desertification, and Africa - and took place against
an agreed outcome, the extended discussions on forests in a
the backdrop of a confluence of related global crises - food
changing environment, the panel presentations and the Multi-
prices, energy and financial, in addition to global attention to
stakeholder Dialogues allowed a glimpse of the Forum’s potential
the challenge of climate change.
future role as a body for interaction, dialogue and cooperation in
support of SFM implementation.
Delegates at CSD 17 were expected to respond by
Two years after the adoption of the Non-legally Binding identifying meaningful policy options to issues that reach to
Instrument on All Types of Forests (now referred to by many as the heart of sustainable development. It did respond, with
the “forest instrument”) and the Global Objectives on Forests, the a lengthy and detailed consensus decision, and a “Shared
UNFF8 concluded without coming to an agreement on how to Vision” statement from ministers. However the decision
finance their implementation. This leaves the Forum somewhat was not particularly forward-looking as it did not quite
in limbo, at the very moment that it is beginning to emerge as a send a clear message as to how sustainability, in particular
body for interactive dialogue – the only such forum supported by sustainable agriculture, can be “part of the solution” in
universal membership, and capable of delivering a “360-degree addressing poverty and climate change. The session thus,
perspective on forests,” as depicted by UNFF’s new Director provided a cause to reflect on the place of CSD in the
Jan McAlpine. universe of sustainable development governance.
Source: ENB Vol. 13 No. 174, 4 May 2009 Source: ENB Vol. 5 No. 281, 18 May 2009
global community
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UNECE Water Convention Asia Forest Partnership
Seventeen presentations were made at the workshop. Participants were strongly in favour of a REDD mechanism to preserve the
Photo credit: MCPFE. world’s forests. Photo credit: AFP.
The workshop on forests and water entitled Sustainable More than 270 participants from over 50 countries met on
Forest Management and Influences on Water Resources - 27-29 May 2009 in Bali, Indonesia to discuss about illegal
Coordinating Policies on Forests and Water, was held on 12-14 logging, and how it might affect a mechanism to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest
May 2009 in Antalya, Turkey.
degradation - or REDD.
The workshop was based on the Ministerial Conference on the The two-day 8th Asia Forest Partnership (AFP) Meeting
provided an opportunity for stakeholders in tropical forests
Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE) Warsaw Resolution to share information, establish partnerships and propose
2: Forests and Water and work under the United Nations recommendations to policymakers. The AFP meeting examined
Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Water Convention the links between mechanisms to compensate countries for
on ecosystem services. It examined the complex interrelations REDD and efforts to combat illegal logging and the associated
and mutual influences of forests and water, how countries timber trade.
approach these topics, and how this is and could be reflected The major issues concerning forest-dependent people in
in forest and water policies in the pan-European and UNECE relation to REDD and illegal logging, which were elaborated
region and neighbouring states. during the meeting, included:
s RAISING COMMUNITY AWARENESS OF 2%$$
s BUILDING CAPACITY OF COMMUNITIES TO RESPOND TO 2%$$
The objectives of the workshop were to: threats and opportunities;
s EXCHANGE EXPERIENCES ON FOREST AND WATER MANAGEMENT s CLARIFYING FOREST TENURE AND OWNERSHIP OF CARBON RIGHTS WITHIN
tools and policies that contribute to realise water related the REDD framework;
forest ecosystem services; s ADDRESSING THE NEED FOR MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION OF
s EXPLORE CROSS
SECTORIAL WORK AND HOW THE COORDINATION OF communities in processes to formulate and implement
REDD demonstration activities and national REDD
forest and water policies could be conducted at national frameworks;
and regional levels; and s ENHANCING LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITIES AS PART
s EXPLORE PAYMENT FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES SCHEMES AND of avoided deforestation strategies;
other measures that broaden and diversify the financial s DEVELOPING EQUITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE lNANCIAL DISTRIBUTION
basis for sustainable forest management and help maintain mechanisms;
s FACILITATING INTERACTIONS BETWEEN COMMUNITIES AND
the protective functions of forests.
concessionaires under REDD; and
Source: MCPFE, http://www.mcpfe.org. s EMPLOYING AND REWARDING COMMUNITY
BASED FOREST
management for climate change mitigation.
Participants at the AFP were strongly in favour of a REDD
mechanism to preserve the world’s forests. Many were
concerned, however, about the workability of REDD and
whether or not the money would go to those who need it most.
Forest-dependent communities are often poor and marginalised
but it is their livelihoods that could be jeopardised if they are
not properly compensated under REDD for reduced access to
forests for income and food.
The main focus in Bonn was to enhance international climate change Eight key messages were raised during the conference.
cooperation. Photo credit: IISD. Photo credit: IISD.
Over 3,500 delegates convened in Bonn, Germany, from The High-level Conference on Fighting Climate Change with
1-12 June 2009 to participate in four meetings as part of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) took place in Bergen,
ongoing negotiations under the UN Framework Convention Norway on 27-28 May 2009. The conference sought to
on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol. The provide an arena for high-level policy makers and other key
Convention’s Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and stakeholders to discuss concrete experiences, priorities,
the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice ideas and initiatives to achieve a comprehensive global
(SBSTA) held their 30th sessions. The sixth session of the Ad approach for delivering climate solutions.
Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under
At the close of the conference, Jonas Gahr Støre, Norway’s
the Convention (AWG-LCA 6) and the eighth session of the
Minister of Foreign Affairs, presented a Chair’s summary of
Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I
the meeting. The summary concluded that:
Parties under the Protocol (AWG-KP 8) also took place. The
s A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO REDUCE #/ EMISSIONS
participants represented governments, intergovernmental and
must include CCS;
non-governmental organisations, academia, the private sector
s ##3 CAN PLAY A KEY ROLE IN THE TRANSITION TO A LOW EMISSION
and the media.
society;
s MORE LARGE
SCALE DEMONSTRATION PLANTS MORE 2$ AND A
The main focus in Bonn was to enhance international climate
major scaling-up of present CCS efforts are needed;
change cooperation, including in the post-2012 period when
s STIMULATING FRAMEWORK CONDITIONS ARE NECESSARY TO
the first commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol expires.
encourage wide-scale capture and storage;
The long-term issues were considered by the AWG-LCA and
s TRANSPORT AND STORAGE PROJECTS MUST MINIMISE THE RISK OF
AWG-KP, which are both scheduled to conclude their work by
negative impacts to the environment, health and safety;
the fifteenth Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to be held in
s PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES HAVE A PARTICULAR ROLE TO MAKE
Copenhagen, Denmark, in December 2009.
CCS commercially viable;
s ##3 MUST BE MADE ACCESSIBLE TO DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Eighteen months after parties to the UNFCCC and the Kyoto
and
Protocol adopted the Bali Road Map, consisting of two
s ##3 SHOULD FEATURE IN DISCUSSIONS AT THE 5.
negotiating tracks to enhance international cooperation to
Copenhagen Climate Change Conference in December
address climate change, comprehensive negotiating texts
2009 and in other relevant flora.
are now on the table but it remains to be seen how these
documents will evolve over the next six months and what may The Chair’s summary also indicated that the international
eventually be adopted in Copenhagen in December. However, community must move forward with a suite of options,
whatever the outcome in Copenhagen, the main ideas will including CCS as a key technology. It stressed that the
most likely be contained in documents that were developed in deployment of new technologies, including CCS, depends
Bonn during the first two weeks of June 2009. on public confidence and strong political leadership to build
public confidence on safety and environmental impacts.
Source: ENB Vol. 12 No. 421, 15 June 2009
Source: ENB Vol.163, No. 1, 1 June 2009
quick takes
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Jordan Bahrain
Enquiries being attended to at the MTC booth. Trade visitors at the MTC booth.
MTC participated in the 6th edition of Project Near East MTC participated in GULFBID 2009, which was the fourth
2009, which was held at Amman Exhibitions Park in edition of the Gulf International Exhibition for Construction,
Amman, Jordan on 4-7 May 2009. Project Near East 2009 Interiors and Furniture. The exhibition showcased a broad
was a construction exhibition serving the markets of Jordan, range of building materials including wood-based products
Iraq, Syria and Palestinian territories. Among the building such as sawntimber, plywood, MDF, veneer, wooden
materials exhibited were sawntimber, plywood, MDF, doors, wood-based flooring and furniture. Woodworking
wooden doors, veneer, wood-based flooring and claddings. machinery was also among the exhibits.
The event featured 240 companies from 28 countries, A total of 177 companies exhibited their products and
which displayed their products spread over a total exhibition services in the fair spread over 7,000 m2 at the Bahrain
space of 9,000m². The exhibitors included 11 national International Exhibition and Convention Centre in Manama
groupings from Italy, France, Turkey, Indonesia, India, City, Bahrain on 5 - 7 May 2009. These included 53
Pakistan, Germany, Kazakhstan, China, UAE and Saudi Bahraini and 122 international companies. Trade visitors to
Arabia. The total number of registered trade visitors was the three-day fair totalled about 3,500. Most of the visitors
7,104 including 1,279 from neighbouring countries. were from Bahrain followed by Saudi Arabia (mainly from
Al Khobar and Dammam) and the rest were from UAE,
Malaysian wood-based companies intending to enter Kuwait, Qatar, UK, Germany, Lebanon, Oman and India.
the Jordan market used the exhibition as a platform to
introduce their range of products, assess market potential Although the fair was relatively small compared to
and establish initial contact with the local timber trading the other similar regional fairs, the growing number of
fraternity. participants showed that GULFBID 2009 had good
potential for showcasing one’s products to Bahrain’s
construction and interior furnishing sectors. The fair
was also a useful platform for Malaysian wood-based
companies seeking to establish initial contact with
importers and market players of Bahrain’s wood-based
and furniture sectors.
quick takes
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Germany Malaysia
The mission delegates at a wood processing factory. Mr. Ng Wun Pin elaborating on the advantages of using timber roofs.
MTC organised a Timber Mission to Germany on The “MTC Timber Talk Series on Timber Roofs” was held
16-24 May 2009. The mission delegation included nine on 9 June 2009 at MTC HQ, Kuala Lumpur. It was the
participants from six companies. second of four Timber Talks scheduled for this year.
The mission provided opportunities for members of the The talk was attended by 45 participants comprising
Malaysian timber industry to gain in-depth knowledge and architects, students as well as members of the timber
understanding of the current status of the German timber industry and representatives from government agencies
industry as well as create business contacts for possible who were interested in learning more about timber roof
joint-ventures to promote product diversification in the systems.
Malaysian timber processing and manufacturing sector.
The speaker, Mr. Ng Wun Pin from Multinail Asia Sdn.
Besides visiting some wood processing factories such as Bhd., discussed the usage of timber as a material in
furniture and glu-laminated timber manufacturing plants, roof construction as well as covered topics and issues
the delegation also attended a “Timber Frame Construction related to timber roof truss and prefabricated timber
Symposium, Designing With Wood” on 19 May 2009. truss systems. He elaborated on the advantages of using
timber roofs instead of steel roofs by comparing factors
The symposium was organised by Deutsche Messe AG such as safety, strength, environmental impact and fire
in conjunction with LIGNA 2009, the World Fair for the performance of these materials. He also showed examples
Forestry and Wood Industries, held in Hannover on 18-22 of projects using timber roofs.
May 2009.
MTC organised a Resource and Business Mission MTC organised a Business Visit to Italy and France on
to Myanmar on 10-12 June 2009 to create business 7-13 June 2009.
opportunities and linkages between members of the
timber sectors of Myanmar and Malaysia. The mission The objectives of the visit were:
also provided opportunities for participants to strengthen s 4O ENHANCE TRADE RELATIONS AND INCREASE THE TIMBER
cooperation with suppliers and manufacturers of timber trade;
materials and products in Myanmar. s 4O STRENGTHEN -ALAYSIAS PRESENCE IN THE )TALY AND
France timber product markets;
A total of nine participants from four Malaysian wood-based s 4O SEEK TRADE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TIMBER SECTOR AND
companies participated in the mission. s 4O EXCHANGE IDEAS AND INFORMATION ON TIMBER
utilisation.
The delegation visited the state-owned Myanmar Timber
Enterprise as well as participated in a business-matching A total of six Malaysian wood-based companies
session with members of the Myanmar Forest Products and participated in the business visit.
Timber Merchants Association. The participants also visited
three woodworking factories during the mission.