The opening ceremony of Sylva Wood 2016 was officiated by leaders of key wood associations from around the world.
Sylva Wood 2016 officially opened today in Shanghai to overwhelming response, welcoming exhibitors and visitors from all over the world to Asia’s one and only wood materials show.
Mr William Pang, managing director of Shanghai Pablo Exhibition Pte Ltd, welcomed distinguished guests at the opening ceremony, officiated by leaders from key industry associations. They were Mr Michael Snow, executive director of the American Hardwood Export Council, Mr John Chan, Southeast Asia & Greater China regional director of AHEC, Mr Huynh Van Hanh, general director of HAWA Corporation, Mr Tan Ting Wai, director of the Malaysian Timber Council, Mr Xu Fang, director of American Softwoods, Mr Jean Francois Guilbert, managing director of French Timber, Mr Ernie Koh, president of the Singapore Furniture Industries Council, Jirawat Tangkijngamwong, chairman of the Thai Timber Association, Mr Cheng Hao, deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Furniture Association, Mr Jeff Lee, market director of Canada Wood, Mr James Xu, president of the Shanghai Timber Industry Association Professional Committee, Mr Yanghong Zhang, vice chairman of the Shanghai Timber Trade Association, and Mr Yutao Wang, deputy secretary general of the Zhangjiagang City Wood Industry Association.
“The need to conceive solid business strategy has never been more important at this moment,” said Mr Pang in his opening address, referring to the importance of the China market in today’s economic climate.
“The ripple effect from the global economic slowdown can be seen and felt tremendously. With the logging ban in China, domestic demand is set to increase with local manufacturers expecting quality materials that cater to their specific requirements. Addressing this, Sylva Wood aims to be the platform to discover pioneering ideas that can challenge norms and create unconventional possibilities for the industry.”
Excitement was palpable as the three-day show running from June 27 to 29 this year sees leading wood associations and their membership returning to grace the event: French Timber, American Hardwood Export Council, US Softwood Export Council, Canada Wood, American Softwoods,the Malaysian MDF Manufacturers’ Association,the Shanghai Timber Trade Association Softwood Professional Committee, Malaysian Timber Council, Bergkvist-insjön AB, the National Hardwood Lumber Association and Zhangjiagang City Wood Industry Association.
For the first time, Sylva Wood also welcomes the Alberta Forest Products Association, APA—The Engineered Wood Association, representatives from the L’Union Forestiere des Industrielles Asiatiques du Gabon (UFIAG), Malaysian Wood Industries Association Council, Quebec Wood Export Bureau and Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation.
The second edition of Sylva Wood can be said to be truly international with more than half of all confirmed exhibitors hailing from overseas. Some notable companies include Rustimber.Ustyanskiy Timber Complex from Russia, the Shin Yang Group from East Malaysia, Vudlande Sawmill from Latvia, EXOR Trading from Germany and Tertu from France.
Sylva Wood 2016 opened doors to the international wood trade on Monday June 27. Asia's only wood materials and wood products show runs from June 27 to 29.
“Our intention is to bring you this unique platform where you can trade, network and exchange ideas with suppliers and visitors from across the globe to build and grow your business in this specific market,” added Mr Pang.
Sylva Wood 2016 is expected to draw 10,000 visitors, a majority of whom will be professional buyers from the flooring, furniture, cabinetry, doors and windows, and stairs sector. Architects keen to understand Asia and find out more about the international timber market will also be discussing and trading information with exhibitors.
Programme Highlights
Celebrating some of the most exciting innovations in the industry, Sylva Wood 2016 has invited experts to present on technology and innovation, and the demand and supply of wood across the globe.
On June 27, Mr Michael Snow, Executive Director from American Hardwood Export Council will deliver on China’s wood consumption, along with Mr Ernie Koh, President of the Singapore Furniture Industries Council and Director of Koda Pte. Ltd., who will speak about what drives furniture consumption in China.
Mr Ernie Koh (left), president of the Singapore Furniture Industries Council, and Mr Michael Snow, executive director of the American Hardwood Export Council (right), discuss China’s wood and furniture consumption. Moderating the panel session is Mr Michael Buckley (centre) from Turnstone Communications.
In the afternoon, Mr Giulio Masotti, founder of Wood-Skin, will talk about a patented composite material and how it helps to solve manufacturing dilemma for geometric shapes in wood. Mr Malte Herrmann, Sales & Marketing Director of APP Timber, Mr Jirawat Tangkijngamwong, Chairman of the Thai Timber Association, and Mr Judd Johnson, Editor of US-based Hardwood Market Report will discuss global timber supply in a panel session. Mr Frank Stewart, Technical Support Manager of the Western Wood Products Association, and Mr Neil Summers, Consultant to AHEC, will each give presentations.
On June 28, Mr Gaochao Lu from L’Union Forestière des Industrielles Asiatiques du Gabon (UFIAG) will analyse Africa’s hardwood supply. Mr Javeer Singh from the Gabon Special Economic Zone will also speak about business opportunities in Gabon’s wood sector. The final day (June 29) sees Mr Godfrey Foo, founder of Tritherm Technology, sharing on timber drying and wood treatment technologies.
Daily American hardwood grading classes are also held across the three-day show at 11am.
