Rosleshos speaks out against

Valery Roschupkin, head of Federal Forestry Agency (Rosleskhoz), objected to freeing investors of customs duties for round timber export. This statement was made at the meeting of the Forest Board. Valery Roschupkin said that Rosleskhoz supported the proposal of the Ministry of Industry and Energy (Minpromenergo) to partially free forest leaseholders of their fees during the period of forest plot development and investment project implementation as well as compensate forest road construction costs through lowering lease fees. "Offers referring to roundwood look doubtful. Lately, a strategic decision blocking roundwood export has been made, but Valery Roschupkin is being asked to permit export of unedged timber which may be recorded as an investment into future projects with unpredicted outcomes. One can build something endlessly, complete nothing, while the wood will have been lost," Valery Roschupkin stressed.

Since April 1, 2008, export duties for unedged timber have been 25% of the legal value but not less than ?15 for cubic meter. By April 1, 2009, the duties will reach 80% of the legal value but not less than ?50 for cubic meter. Thus, roundwood export conditions are expected to become one of the most strict ones in the world.

(After RAO "Bumprom")