28 Aug 2007

Forest authority launches five year plan to boost forestry in PNG

10:00 am on 28 August 2007

The Papua New Guinea Forest Authority has launched a plan for the agency's strategic direction for the next five years to boost the country's forestry sector.

Caretaker Forest Minister Patrick Pruaitch told The National newspaper that the plan recognises changes that are occurring locally, regionally and internationally, particularly in the area of climate change.

He says the strategy aims to improve the national economy through increased export income, and enable the Government to improve infrastructure, social services and reduce poverty levels, especially in the rural areas.

The National reports the forestry sector contributes an average of 135 TO 143 million U.S. dollars in foreign exchange earnings to the Gross Domestic Product, and 43 million to 47 million dollars in export duty.