Annual Report 2017

104 MA T R A D E A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 7 Key Potential The Malaysian building materials industry is known for its proven quality, constant innovation and competitive pricing. Among the top building material products sourced from Malaysia are plywood, fibreboard, metal tubes and pipes. These products have been exported to various countries such as Singapore, Japan, India, Thailand and Australia. Outlook for the building materials industry is expected to remain positive for the immediate termwith steady growth projected to 2019. The construction industry is set to experience steady growth in view of higher demand from construction projects such as high-rise buildings and infrastructure development. The projected expansion in the construction industry will underpin growth in demand for building materials and this augurs well for the overall development of the building materials industry. Building Materials Snapshot The robust growth of the construction industry in Malaysia has positively impacted the growth of its building materials industry. Common building materials that are frequently required for buildings and infrastructure construction include cement, sand, steel reinforcement, ready mix concrete, brick, paints, glass, and plywood. Moving Forward MATRADE will continue to promote Malaysian building materials in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as well as in ASEAN and India. MATRADE will also expand its working relationship with industry players and assist Malaysian companies to work through foreign market entry strategies and overcome barriers to trade. Indonesia Building Technology Expo (Indobuildtech) Expo 2017 in Tangerang, Indonesia (17-21 May 2017) • MATRADE’s 12th participation at the event. • 10 participating Malaysian companies. • 180 business enquiries received. • Reported sales outcome of Malaysian companies: RM125.27 million. • Featured products included decorative materials; paints and sealants, stainless steel kitchenware, testing services, vinyl floorings, door frames and flange angles, PVC-based construction materials, solar water heaters, and rapid auto roll doors and swingflex doors. Export Promotion Programmes The Big 5 Show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (26-29 November 2017) • 10 participating Malaysian companies. • 512 business enquiries received. • 121 business meetings concluded. • Reported sales outcome of Malaysian companies : RM50.25 million • Featured products included CPC Islamic panels; solid surface materials; silicone sealant products; construction machinery; LED lighting; extension sockets, switches and wiring accessories; solar water heaters, heat pumps and electric water heaters; UPVC Euroline and scaffolding materials; wood plastic composite decking and storage racking systems.