FORESTRY INDUSTRY GOOD FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT - FORESTRY SOUTH AFRICA CHIEF

FORESTRY INDUSTRY GOOD FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT - FORESTRY SOUTH AFRICA CHIEF

Forestry industry can contribute immensely to regional economic development. This was said by the Chief Executive Officer of Forestry South Africa, Mr Michael Peters while addressing the Forestry Trade and Investment seminar hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) , in Mpumalanga, Nelspruit yesterday.

The seminar was part of the inward trade and investment mission to South Africa and was attended by government officials responsible for forestry based industries, and private sector players in the forestry value chain from Mozambique and South Africa.

“The Mozambican government has targeted 7 million hectares for forestry plantation and this present an immense opportunity for both Mozambican and South African businesspeople to partner and explore these opportunities for trade and investment. It is an opportunity for us to utilise the skills and technologies we have to contribute to job creation and economic development of both countries,” said Peters.

He added that the industry which is currently contributing R45.5 billion to the Growth Domestic Products is capable of producing ample jobs and boost the economy.

The president of Mozambique Timber Association, Mr Jorge Isaias Chacate says the time to talk about Mozambique is over. He adds that now is the time to talk to Mozambique and form partnerships, collaborations and joint ventures that will benefit both counties.

According to Chacate, the lack of skills and technology in the industry to process timber and the huge forest potential in Mozambique create a good business environment for South African firms. He adds that the 130 species of wood with only less than a half being explored also present an opportunity for South Africa to address its timba shortage.

The Chief Director- Agro processing with the Department of Trade and Industry, Ms Unati Speirs emphasised the importance of  intra-Africa trade

“African countries should make it a priority to partner and collaborate in doing business in order to contribute to regional economic development and address the challenges that are facing Africa,” said Ms Speirs.

She added this can also be achieved in Mozambique as a strategic market with its abundant forestry development opportunities.

The mission will conclude today with site visits to White River Sawmill and Ezigro Seeds which are based in White River, Mpumalanga.

The purpose of the mission was to explore trade and investment opportunities in the forestry value chain between Mozambique and South African businesses.