The export of Malaysian timber and timber products is expected to record a better performance this year, in line with the global economic recovery, says Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok.

"The demand from major markets is picking up. We expect exports for this year to be better," he told reporters after the official launch of the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) Global WoodMart 2010 here on Monday.

Malaysian timber and timber product exports for 2009 dropped to RM19.4 billion compared with RM22.79 billion in 2008, as demand was affected by the global economic slowdown.

Among the major export destinations for Malaysian timber and timber products are the United States,Japan and the European Union.

The MTC Global WoodMart 2010, from Oct 19-20 at the KL Convention Centre (KLCC) here, is being organised for the first time in South East Asia for international timber suppliers and buyers to meet and conduct business.

Apart from facilitating business among local and overseas suppliers, agents, distributors, importers, manufacturers, wholesalers and others in the supply chain, the event is also to promote and encourage the wider application and use of timber from Malaysia as well as international sources.

MTCs Chief Executive Officer Cheah Kam Huan said about 1,000 trade visitors, locally and internationally, had been taget to attend the event.

"We have also target about 120 local and international exhibitors to participate in the MTC Global WoodMart," he explained.

Cheah said the MTC plans to organise the event biennially.

The MTC Global WoodMart 2010 will feature a wide selection of tropical and temperate hardwood and softwood products such as logs, sawtimber, plywood and panel products, wooden flooring, wooden decking, doors and windows as well as mouldings and furniture components.