Aseanwood-Woodtech 2008 Scheduled for KL, Malaysia in Sept. 2008

A major exporter of wood products, Malaysia is again hosting Aseanwood-Woodtech Malaysia (WTM) 2008, a leading trade show for woodworking machinery that is held alongside Furnitech 2008 and Forest 2008, with the multi-show event scheduled for Sept. 24-28 at Putra World Trade Center (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia.

A once-three-year event that began in 1994, Aseanwood-Woodtech Malaysia 2008 expects to see more than 500 exhibitors from some 30 countries in attendance, who will be displaying wide-ranging woodworking machinery over 25,000 square meters. Organizers say that the 2008 show is estimated to draw over 15,000 visitors for a projected 10% growth from the last one held in 2005. While Furnitech 2008, the show held in tandem, will be the stage for a variety of furniture making machinery.

Most of the foreign exhibitors will be from Europe, the U.S., Canada, Australia, as well as Asian nations such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and South Korea. Exhibitor groups from Germany, Italy, Taiwan and China will set up national pavilions.

Industry-relevant Host

Being a major wood products exporter, Malaysia is a location presenting great business opportunities for the woodworking machinery industry. Malaysia's exports to West Asia have grown 20.8%, with wood products among the top-five product categories. Wood products from Malaysia is also among the top exports to the EU, which grew by 19.7% to RM$74.939 billion (US$22.71 billion) in 2006 compared with RM$62.629 billion (US$18.98 billion) a year ago.

In the same year Malaysia's furniture exports grew by 7.8% to RM$8.08 billion (US$2.45 billion). Wooden furniture was the largest export item, accounting for 79.1% of Malaysia's furniture exports, increasing by 9.7% to RM$6.39 billion (US$1.94 billion). Malaysian furniture exports continue to enjoy diversified markets, with the significant growths registered in Australia, the UAE, India, China, Germany, Kuwait and the U.S.

Promising Forecast

Despite the forecast slowdown in the global economy that will impact world trade, Malaysia is expected to see sustained growth in its exports. One factor that will support such growth is the forecast expansion of Southeast Asian economies, from 5.2% in 2006 to 5.6% in 2007. Some 26.1% of Malaysian exports in 2006 went to ASEAN, making the region a sizable market for the nation.

WTM 2008 is the only officially-backed woodworking machinery trade fair in the Asian region, which is extensively supported, recognized and endorsed by both local and foreign associations. Being fully endorsed by the Malaysian Woodworking Machinery Association, WTM 2008 is an event filled with ample business opportunities for woodworking and wood-related industries all under one roof. (JL)

Fact Sheet

Aseanwood-Woodtech Malaysia

6th ASEAN International Woodworking Machinery, Timber Processing and Furniture

Manufacturing Supplies Exhibition and Conference

Incorporating: Furnitech 2008

The 6th ASEAN International Exhibition of Machinery Accessories for Furniture

Production, Upholstery & Furnishings

Forest 2008

The 6th ASEAN International Forestry Management, Timber Supply, Handling & Storage Exhibition

Venue: Putra World Trade Center (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Date: Sept. 24-28, 2008

Exhibition Hours: 10:30 A.M. to 6: 30 P.M.