Use of Belarus’ forest resources becomes subject of large-scale discussion at Independence Palace

24 января 2017

The President has heard a report on round timber export today. Since January last year, unprocessed timber export has been banned by the President’s decree, the only exceptions being circumstances brought about by force majeure, such as a large-scale felling of trees in the aftermath of a storm. The Ministry of Forestry has received permission to export 4 million cubic meters of raw materials in 2016 and the first half of 2017, namely sawn timber, including the trees felled by July storms.

The country has a surplus of raw materials, a record amount of 21 million cubic meters harvested last year. Due to the fact that some companies of the Bellesbumprom concern are not loaded to the full capacity as they are currently undergoing modernisation, the Government has suggested extending the quotas. Timber export is not viewed as a goal in itself. Still, the main task is providing the domestic market with raw materials and consequently releasing export-oriented products.