WTM 2008 Warms Up to Welcome Even Bigger Turnout

(Article supplied by Trade-Link Management Services and compiled by Judy Li)

ASEANWood-Woodtech Malaysia 2008 (WTM 2008), the official ASEAN wood-related industry trade show, will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from September 24 to 28 at the Putra World Trade Centre.

WTM 2008 is seen as a multi-faceted, high profile trade platform for global woodworking machinery, timber processing, forestry management, furniture manufacturers and suppliers in ASEAN, and takes place once every three years.

"WTM 2005 generated an estimated RM90 million (about US$28.57 million) in on-the-spot and follow-up sales. Such remarkable performance leaves residual momentum to continue driving business opportunities, so we expect even higher sales figures for WTM 2008," says Lai, managing director of Trade-Link Management Services Sdn Bhd (TMS) or the organizer of WTM. "Companies and exhibitors who have exhibits, technology and services marketable at WTM should come forward early; although we try to accommodate all requests, exhibition space and participation opportunities are being taken up quickly."

One reason that WTM is billed as an "official" event is its endorsement by an array of governmental agencies, including the Ministry of Plantation Industries & Commodities Malaysia, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), the Malaysian Woodworking Machinery Association (MWMA), the Malaysian Furniture Industry council (MFIC) and the Malaysian Furniture Entrepreneurs Association (MFEA).

European Representation

WTM 2008 is also supported by the European Federation of Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers (EUMABOIS), the trade body representing 800 key European manufacturers of machines and accessories for woodworking spread across its 12-nation zone, including Austria, Czech Republic, Demark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Spain and Switzerland.

Space Still Available

Prospective exhibitors are reminded that it is not too late to book a booth at WTM 2008; however 60%-70% of the available 20,000 square meters of gross exhibition space has been booked. So far more than 700 exhibiting companies/brands from over 30 countries are expected to participate. Exhibitors can look forward to excellent exposure as some 10,000 visitors are expected to arrive from the Asia Pacific region.

The TMS managing director says, "Due to the success of WTM since its inaugural event 13 years ago and ample worldwide support, it has grown to global proportions-evolving beyond its name-sake home region of ASEAN to wield impact and open windows of opportunities internationally. Anticipation has been building before WTM 2008 opens: we are receiving numerous enquiries from both exhibitors and prospective visitors. Plus the location of WTM 2008 is also contributing to the eagerness surrounding the event as wood-related sectors are significant drivers of the Malaysian economy," an easily credible statement for anyone who has seen the dense, lush woods even a short distance outside Kuala Lumpur; while Sarawak and Sabah are extensively covered by evergreen forests.

Well-suited for Wood Industry

Malaysia has a burgeoning wood-related industry. Apart from its availability of raw materials and wide-ranging sustainable raw materials, Malaysia has world-class infrastructures, state-of-the-art warehousing and transportation supporting this industry as a pillar of growth for the Malaysian economy. The pool of skilled manpower cultivated by the Malaysian government as it moves towards a knowledge-based economy further helps to rapidly grow this industry.

Malaysia currently is home to more than 4,000 manufacturers turning out wood products such as sawn timber, plywood, veneer, MDF, laminated boards, particleboard, furniture, moldings, joineries and others. The timer-based industry contributed approximately RM23.44 billion (about US$7.44 billion) of export earnings for the country in 2006 and employed over 300,000 people, nearly 3.5% of the country's workforce.

Multi-role Event

A wood-related trade show with many personalities, WTM 2008's program contains also Furnitech 2008, the 6th ASEAN International Exhibition of Machinery & Accessories for Furniture Production, Upholstery and Furnishings; and Forest 2008, the 6th ASEAN International Forestry Management, Timber Supply, Handlings and Storage Exhibition.

"WTM has always been an enormous woodworking and wood-related trading ground, and exhibitors take this opportunity to present, demonstrate the latest local and global designs, trends, technologies, products and services," Lai continues. "For years now WTM has been a helpful catalyst-enabling exhibitors to explore new businesses and find buyers, while manufacturers and traders from around the region has been coming to source production solutions. Today WTM is known as ASEAN's largest showcase of world-class machinery, where buyers often see first-time-ever offerings in the region."

WTM 2005 saw 603 exhibiting companies from 26 countries spread over 13,680 square meters of net exhibition space. More than 900 units of machinery valued at over RM 100 million (about US$31.75 million) were on display, with the five-day event attended by 6,680 trade visitors from around the world.

"Manufacturers and suppliers of various wood-related products continue to grow, reflecting promise for the continual, robust growth of the Malaysian manufacturing sector," Lai says. "We believe the government's continued effort to pursue greater trade liberalization has resulted in marked expansion in the market, which, in turn, creates increasingly greater demand for products, services and technologies in the machinery and equipment sectors."

Prospective exhibitors interested in WTM 2008 are asked to phone Albert Lai at 60-03-5635-6086, fax 60-03-5635-6199, or visit www.tradelink.com.my