Page 24 - FDMAsia JanFeb 2025

22 FOCUS JAN/FEB 2025 FDM ASIA | www.fdmasia.com

ITTO TROPICAL TIMBER MARKET REPORT

Export markets for wood-based products remained weak, but some improvements are expected
in 2025. New cooperation between nations may present more business opportunities. ITTO
shares more about the latest in the timber market.

MALAYSIA in reducing energy subsidies, but the effects should only be
Risks to growth if global demand weakens temporary. With trade amounting to 147 percent of GDP,
The OECD Economic Outlook for Malaysia says the economy Malaysia faces significant downside risks if global demand
is projected to grow steadily with output growing by 5.1 is weaker than expected.”
percent in 2025 and 4.8 percent in 2026.
The report continues “Private consumption is expected Asean trade and investment opportunities
to remain robust, with inflation remaining at low levels and Asila Jalil, writing for the Malaysian Business Times, has
favourable labour market conditions.” reported on a panel discussion at the Institute of Chartered

“Private investment will be supported by new opportunities Accountants of England and Wales/Malaysia (ICAEW) on the
in technology-intensive sectors and the expected increases ‘Malaysia Economic Insight 2024’ where Maybank Investment
in exports. Infrastructure projects and investments by public Banking Group (IBG) Head of Equity Research, Anand
corporations will support public investment.” Pathmakanthan, said Malaysia should leverage the trade and
“Inflation is projected to rise in 2025 reflecting progress investment opportunities that are present in Asean to maintain

Global Carbon Project