SINGAPORE, Oct. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Asia Plantation Capital has achieved further success after attending two Timber Investment Conferences in London in early October.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141030/155435

"This year we have seen the culmination of our plantation activities, administrative improvements and reorganisation of due diligence methodology," explains Gary Crates, Business Development Director. "It all coincides with increased demand for responsible and sustainable agroforestry from the established investment community."

He continued, "It is difficult, obviously, to put an exact figure on the new investment turnover that eventually arises from any conference, but with the enthusiastic response we have received in London over these 10 days, it demonstrates the strong interest for our sustainable plantations model."

'Green' investments are highly sought after by publicly available funds and pension companies, while timberland has traditionally been a secure alternative to regular stocks and shares. It is also an important long-term strategic purchase for wealth retention by Family Offices and larger investors. The recurrent problem faced by many such investors was finding enough reputable, responsible and sustainably managed forestry operations. This has been particularly true in the context of Asia, with exciting species such as bamboo, teak, and Agarwood.

Approaching forestry from a plantation management perspective has allowed Asia Plantation Capital the opportunity to provide consultancy services with its proven expertise, and offer international professional investors both medium and long-term options in sustainable plantation and agricultural projects.

Today, Asia Plantation Capital (APC) is probably the largest and most successful specialist Agarwood plantation operator. APC has arrived at this enviable position by working with local communities within the domestic economies of the countries in which they operate; educating and supporting fragile rural communities, providing local jobs, and expanding the knowledge of sustainable forestry and agroforestry practices. Simultaneously investing in research, development and Oud oil production facilities, APC has enabled high values to be extracted from Agarwood trees when harvested.

Oud has now grown into an international commodity - being regarded as the highest value product among all the forestry species. Global demand for its use in fine fragrances, luxury goods and medicinal products has expanded considerably, and is complemented by a number of traditional cultural applications in both the Arabian Gulf and China - all of which have driven demand for thousands of years.

Asia Plantation Capital's enthusiasm for added value and premium end products is a specific business strategy across all their sustainable timber and agroforestry operations. Bamboo (one of the world's most sustainable species), is not only being used in traditional flooring and engineered construction board applications, but also in a variety of other ways.

Seeking higher shareholder returns, sustainable bamboo is the main component in the creation of a new executive and international traveller luggage range being launched in the last quarter of 2014. This is in addition to the growing use (due to its strength, weight and flexibility) in the manufacture of high quality racing and road bikes, all produced by Asia Plantation Capital and its subsidiaries.

By building additional demand for its sustainable timber and agroforestry crops, as well as the products derived therefrom, and by holding land title for the plantation areas used, Asia Plantation Capital offers a robust business option for institutional investors looking to create 'greener' client funds and increase asset value on a consistent basis in the years ahead.

Notes to Editors:

For further information, please contact:-

Adrian Heng
Group Marketing Director
Email: adrian.heng@asiaplantationcapital.com
Office: +65-6222-3386
Mobile: +65-9750-7440

About Asia Plantation Capital

Quick facts:

• US$ 600 million - combined value of assets owned and under management
• US$ 53.5 million - turnover in the last financial year
• US$ 100 million - turnover forecast for current financial year
• 2,000,000 - Aquilaria trees today, on Agarwood plantations.

Asia Plantation Capital is an owner and operator of a diverse range of commercial plantation and farming businesses across the Asia-Pacific region, and globally, part of the Asia Plantation Capital Group of associated companies. Their focus is on multicultural and diverse plantation projects geared to the domestic and commercial demands of the countries in which they operate. Working closely with and supporting local communities is an underlying core principle of the APC business, providing social and cultural support, as well as investment, to move these communities away from deforestation and illegal logging activities, previously seen as a main source of income in some regions of Asia. Established officially in 2008, although operating privately since 2002, the group now has plantation and agricultural projects on four continents with operational projects at various stages in Thailand, Malaysia, China, Laos, India, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, The Gambia, North America and Europe.

Promoting the use of certified wood is the best way of preventing deforestation, protecting biodiversity and combatting poverty in the tropical rainforest regions. For the yachting sector, which strives for excellence and which is already involved in environmental efforts, this is also a way of ensuring that no wood from illegal logging is used.

Related Links

http://www.asiaplantationcapital.com

SOURCE Asia Plantation Capital