The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) returns to SaudiBuild 2003 for the fourth consecutive year, encouraged by the response it has received from the market.

The MTC, which plans to introduce new products at the event, has been promoting Malaysian timber and products in the Middle East even prior to the setting up of its Dubai office in 1999.

''The MTC has exhibited in SaudiBuild in 2000, 2001 and 2002,'' says director of the Dubai office Dr Eric NG Kok Leong. ''We received  several enquiries from quality trade visitors, including importers, traders, building material companies, architects and interior decor contractors.''

He continues: ''SaudiBuild is one of the leading building and construction fairs in the region with a good turnout of trade visitors and decision-makers from the building and trade industry of Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries. It is also well organised.'
The MTC, which is a non-profit organisation, has helped the gradual transformation of Malaysia from an exporter of logs and primary processed products to an exporter of high-quality value-added finished timber products.

Timber, which is sourced from the natural forests and plantations of Malaysia, is processed using state-of-the-art machinery. The processed timber is later converted into high-quality, value-added products that are marketed across the world. The Dubai office has played a key role in promoting Malaysian timber and products over the years. Commenting on the outlook of the domestic market, Leong says the market is healthy and there are better prospects for the business to pick up and improve further.

'We intend to promote Malaysian timber and timber products ranging from sawn timber, panel products, and joinery products for doors and floorings, mouldings and furniture at the exhibition,' he says.

The MTC, which is one of the largest exporters of timber and timber products in the world, will be at Stand 236.