KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will seek clarification from Romania and Poland on major issues affecting the market access for tropical timber and cocoa products in the European Union (EU) market especially related to regulations and tariffs.

Issues on trade in illegally-sourced timber would also be discussed with the relevant authorities in these countries and Russia, Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Datuk Anifah Aman, said in a statement here today.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will seek clarification from Romania and Poland on major issues affecting the market access for tropical timber and cocoa products in the European Union (EU) market especially related to regulations and tariffs.

Issues on trade in illegally-sourced timber would also be discussed with the relevant authorities in these countries and Russia, Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Datuk Anifah Aman, said in a statement here today.

Anifah is leading a timber and cocoa economic and technical mission to Romania, Poland and Russia from May 5-20.

He said the delegation would take the opportunity to explain measures being taken by Malaysia to combat illegal logging and trade in illegal timber.

"The mission will promote our timber certification scheme under the Malaysian Timber Certification Council and seek support and recognition for this scheme," he said.

Last year, Malaysia's exports of timber and timber products to these countries amounted to RM2.6 billion.

Anifah said he would also raised market access issues, especially related to the high tariff and the non-tariff barriers imposed on cocoa products by these markets.

He said Malaysian cocoa suppliers were reliable and the manufacturers had a proven track record of producing products that met international standards at competitive prices.

"In this regard, Malaysia has increasingly become an important source of cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, chocolate and chocolate confectioneries," Anifah said.

Last year, Malaysia's exports of cocoa to these countries in the form of cocoa powder amounted to RM23 million.

Anifah said the delegation would take the opportunity to discuss the development of oils and fats, biofuel and bio-composite industries.

Source : BERNAMA