On 31 May 2011, a delegation from the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) headquarters, headed by Honourable Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, new MTC Chairman made a working visit to Brussels. Other members of the delegation were Mr. Cheah Kam Huan, Chief Executive Officer, Ms Suria Zainal, Senior Director in the CEO's Office and Ms. Sheam Satkuru-Granzella, Director of the MTC London. The delegation also visited Belgium, Germany, the UK, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden under its Recognisance Visit to Europe. The objective of the working visit is to introduce Honourable Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang to the European timber industry, exchange views on current market conditions, assess market potential for select timber products and attend the Ligna International Fair in Hannover, Germany.
The MTC Delegation first met with the Embassy Officials, namely Mr. Ikram Mohammad Ibrahim, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim, Dr. Nagendran Bala Sundram, Minister Counsellor (Palm Oil), Mr. Shahril Nizam Abdul Malek, First Secretary (Political), Ms. Rafiqa Hazura Md Ridzuan, First Secretary (Economic affairs and Information), Ms. Jamaliah Hussin, First Secretary (Customs) and Mr. Ahmad Syukri Idris, Second Secretary (Customs).
The meeting discussed about commodities issues, particularly on timber and oil palm sectors. Ms. Sheam informed the meeting that in Belgium, there is hardly any issues as Belgium recognize the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) scheme. She also informed that 85% of EU's total imports of timber are taken up by 4 traditional markets, namely Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands and United Kingdom. The EU accounts for approximately 13% of Malaysia's total timber and wood product exports. Dr. Nagendran exchanged views on palm oil and explained that the EU imports about 5 million tonnes of palm oil each year.
Subsequently, the MTC Delegation had a meeting with the Secretary General of the Belgian Timber Federation, Mr. Bart de Turck at the Embassy.