Sogavare clarifies China trip

Prime Minister Hon. Manaseh Sogavare has clarified the government delegation’s recent trip to China.

The China trip was led by the Minister of Forestry Hon. Ishmael Avui, and the Minister of Mines and Energy Hon. Braddley Tovosia, along with other government ministers and officials.

Mr Sogavare said the trip was  jointly funded by the National Government through the Ministry of Forestry , and Sustainable Forest Association

He said importance of the trip by Government officials to China was to do a timber trade survey.

He stated that the timber trade survey was important to the Ministry of Forestry as the Government was in a position to implement the 50cm diameter limit for all round logs exports.

“In a move to reduce round log exports within the next 4 years to a more sustainable rate, the ministry wants to understand the demands on the ground,” he said.

“Negotiating sales direct to factories is important if we want to maximize revenue from our round log exports.”

Mr Sogavare also said while in China the delegation will look at other trade opportunities which includes non timber or forest products.

“Having both parties on the ground , and understanding the trade in China can assist both parties to make better decisions that benefits all stakeholders of logging,” he said.

“We believe this is a win-win situation for all including the resource owners.”

By: Lowen Sei.