By Ilona Krasutskaya: The use of Belarus’ forest resources was subject to a large-scale discussion held today at the Independence Palace. The President heard a report on round timber export and urged to ensure the processing of all timber within the country. Exporting unprocessed timber was banned a year ago by a decree aimed at forest reserve protection, wood processing industry development and new job creation. The only exceptions are circumstances brought about by force majeure, such as a large-scale felling of trees in the aftermath of a storm.
The country has a surplus of raw materials, a record amount of 21 million cubic metres harvested last year. The Government suggested extending timber export quotas.
The Ministry of Forestry received permission to export about 4 million cubic metres of sawn timber in 2016 and the first half of 2017, including the trees felled by July storms. Export revenues exceeded 80 million dollars, sales margin making up more than 25%.
The Ministry exports timber to 30 countries, the main markets being Poland, Lithuania, Germany and Latvia. Among Belarus’ customers is China, where forest clearing is prohibited, as well as in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. This year, Belarus will export almost 2 million cubic metres of round timber. However, the President warned the Forest Ministry that the permission was the final one.
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. November will see the launch of a new branch of Svetlogorsk’s Pulp and Paper Plant – it will be supplied with the amount of round timber that is currently exported abroad.
Another key issue discussed at the meeting is the eradication of illegal timber export schemes. The Government has taken measures to deal with the issue, with a decree to come into force on 1 February.
Timber harvested by the Forestry Ministry’s organisations is processed by 70 companies. The country is home to over 600 wood processing plants tasked with enhancing profitability and searching for new markets.
The meeting also focused on the development of forest areas and eliminating the consequences of the July storm that damaged more than 4 million cubic metres of timber. The natural disaster affected the 100-year-old forests in the Cherven and Smolevichi districts.
