Enviro News Asia, Dubai – The export potential of Indonesian processed wood products to Middle Eastern countries, especially the United Arab Emirates (UAE), remains highly promising. This is due to the significant demand in the region for building materials, furniture, and other wood-based products.
“We must capitalize on this opportunity to the fullest,” said the Secretary-General of the Indonesian Forestry Entrepreneurs Association (APHI), Purwadi Suprihanto, during the Forest Governance Market & Climate (FGMC) event held in London, England, on Friday (January 24, 2025).
Previously, APHI met with the Head of the Indonesia Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) Dubai, Windy Haryono, in Dubai, UAE. Windy expressed great enthusiasm for APHI’s presence, as it allows ITPC Dubai to further enhance communication and collaboration with Indonesian processed wood business players. “The trade opportunities for processed wood products in the Middle East are immense,” said Purwadi.
This is driven by the aggressive infrastructure and housing developments in several Middle Eastern countries, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, which have led to increased demand for wood products like plywood, MDF boards, and veneer.
During the meeting in Dubai, APHI also met with the largest processed wood companies in Dubai, including Fakih Group, Rahmani Group, and Tarrab Group. The meeting revealed two categories of the processed wood market in Dubai: the niche market for super-premium hotels, apartments, and residences, represented by Fakih Group and Tarrab Group, and the retail market, represented by Rahmani Group.
As a follow-up to the meeting, it was concluded that the Middle Eastern market for processed wood products remains very large, with Dubai set to become the hub for the Middle East. Efforts will soon focus on identifying supply and demand, particularly for processed wood products not yet supplied by other countries. “Currently, China dominates the processed wood product market in Dubai,” said Purwadi Suprihanto
The Indonesian Forestry Community Communication Forum (FKMPI) will soon submit a list of products and estimated prices, particularly for processed products made from mixed hardwoods, along with product samples. Additionally, FKMPI will intensify communication with ITPC Dubai and companies already familiar with the Dubai market. FKMPI also plans to participate in the forest product exhibition to be held in Dubai in April 2025.
“We will also establish a representative office in the form of a virtual office in Dubai and ensure at least one annual presence in Dubai,” added Purwadi Suprihanto.
