MTC.COM.MY

We are pleased to invite you to participate in the MTC Marketing Mission to South Africa and Mauritius which will be held from 6 - 16 June 2012. The purpose of this mission is to enhance timber trade and strengthen business linkages between Malaysian timber product manufacturers and exporters with South African/Mauritian timber buyers.

The mission comprises visits to timber importers and downstream timber processing manufacturers in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Mauritius. In addition, seminars on Malaysian timber and business meetings for the mission delegates will also be held in these cities.

Timber Business Potential in South Africa:

• Building and construction industry is booming to keep up with the demand of the growing South African population which presently stands at 50.5 million.
• Housing sector has been experiencing a boom in South Africa with over 2.6 million houses were built since 1994.
• Apart from new construction, renovation business is growing as well, providing a lucrative market for interiors.
• South Africa’s economy is improving. Real GDP has recovered from -1.7% in 2009 to 2.8% in 2010; the growth remained clearly below potential, estimated around 4% per annum for South Africa. GDP is expected to grow at a rate of 3.6% in 2011 and 4.3% in 2012. GDP growth for 2010 was driven primarily by a steady recovery in consumer spending, partially attributed to the FIFA World Cup.
• The South African Rand has strengthened and this boosted South Africa’s imports.

Timber Business Potential in Mauritius:

• The policy of the government to create a duty free shopping island for tourists is an incentive for the private sector to invest in the building of villas, “Integrated Resort Schemes” and other commercial centres. The use of timber in these constructions is expected to grow in the next two years.
• The construction industry is very active. Currently Mauritius appears a huge construction site. As a result, importation of sawntimber and other timber products is expected to increase.
• Mauritius's sound economic policies and prudent banking practices help to mitigate negative effects from the global financial crisis in 2008-2009. GDP grew 3.6% in 2010 and the country continues to expand its trade and investment outreach around the globe.
• Mauritius presently offers massive potential for developers and property owners. With over 2,000 expats living on the island, purchasing demands will soon increase when they are granted the rights to buy at least one property.

The participation fee is RM 1,000.00 per person. Participants are entitled to:

• Attendance to the seminars
• Participation in business discussions
• Participation in field visits
• Local group transportation
• Group airport transfers
• Entry in Mission Booklet

Hotel accommodation and flight will be arranged by MTC and the payment will be fully borne by the participants. The costs are indicated in the Application Form as attached. Participants will be eligible to apply for Double Tax Deduction for Promotion of Exports Overseas and Matrade’s Market Development Grant, if qualify. MTC will provide a 30% sponsorship on hotel accommodation and return economy airfare for eligible companies as per the terms and conditions for participation outlined in the application form.

Due to limited number of seatings, interested participants are advised to apply early. Please submit the following to MTC before 23 March 2012:

• Completed Application Form
• A photocopy of passport
• 2 copies of passport-sized photograph
• Cheque made payable to ‘Malaysian Timber Council’

Please send all of the above by courier or by hand to the following address:
MALAYSIAN TIMBER COUNCIL
18th Floor, Menara PGRM, No. 8 Jalan Pudu Ulu, Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-9281 1999, Fax: 03-9282 8999
Attention to: Faizal Shah (ext 133)
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Application Form