Lower wood prices in the country which is between 25-30 per cent lower than that in the world market is attributed to illegal wood exploitation, according to President of the National Wood Processing Industry Association.
Mr. Thongsavanh Souliyamath, whose post is mentioned above said that such illegal logging has caused the government loss of revenues for its coffer.
Mr. Thongsavanh said that the Illegal logging is against the law on forestry and had brought defame to the country.
“Recognising the achieving of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and international integration and to promote market-oriented production in the country as well as environment protection and sustainable exploitation of natural resources, a Prime Ministerial order No. 10 has been issued to prevent and suppress illegal logging in the country,” said Mr. Thongsavanh.
“Additionally, the government has maintained cooperation with friendly countries in the region and promote the integration into international markets, particularly EU, America, Australia and Japan,” continued Mr. Thongsavanh.
“For many years, we have seen that our timber trade with neighbouring countries is yet to enjoy proper development. They just buy our wood as raw material. As a result we could bring in only a small amount of money and this doesn’t promote job employment in the country because they only need timber,” said Mr. Thongsavanh.
“The government should create preferable conditions for wood-related industry in the country so that it can integrate itself with international wood market, bringing about conducive environment for wood industry in Laos.”
