Thirty-five timber exporters from Myanmar have been on their first ever trade mission to Europe.
The group, all members of the Myanmar Timber Association, were hoping to improve their understanding of advanced wood-based technology with a view to developing value added
products for the European market.
Myanmar normally exports its logs which other Asian countries transform into value added products.
The mark up on teak after it leaves Myanmar is usually more than 150%. In the Asian market the price of Myanmar teak logs starts at US$2,000 a tonne, depending on the quality, but in Europe the price can be anything between US$5,000 and US$8,000.
Timber traders believe that the more Myanmar produces value added wooden wares and exports directly to end users, the more foreign exchange can be earned.
