world news - 31.01.2008
Russia looks at timber to boost coffers
"Technical
re-equipment and the creation of new deep wood-processing facilities
should be a priority. We have to focus on processing wood instead of
simply exporting it," said Russian Prime Minister, Viktor Zubkov, during his visit to the Komi republic.
Russia has 20 per cent of the world's forestry
resources, but is currently a minor player in the global timber trade.
The Government is seeking to turn the industry into an advanced sector
of the national economy within 12 years.
The overhaul of an entire industry will take time and millions of
dollars and regions across Russia face similar problems, with outdated
equipment, high tariffs and poor infrastructure.
This is changing with the government's emphasis on doing more with Russian timber than simply exporting raw logs.
Both foreign and domestic investments are meant to improve technology
and the infrastructure and promote exports of processed timber. This
year, millions of dollars will flow into the sector.
See also:
- — Mild weather a problem for Swedish and Finnish forest industry
- — In 2007 companies of Forestry Ministry of Belarus expand export by 48% to $132mln
- — Forest fires leave 48 hot spots in Sumatra
- — Roundwood sales at record level in Finland in 2007
- — Forest industry ready to increase production of renewable energy