Stakeholders discussing way forward for Forest Products Marketing Council
Georgetown, GINA, January 14, 2008.
Focus continues to be placed on sustainable management, utilisation and development of the forestry sector as key stakeholders are engaged in discussions on the role and operations of the Forest Product Marketing Council of Guyana (FPMC).
The FPMC was established in December 2005 by Government based on recommendations by the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) after a diagnostic review of the forestry sector was conducted in 2002. The review, which was done at the request of Government, highlighted the need to boost marketing capabilities of forest products to increase vibrancy of the sector.
The Council was established to co-ordinate marketing activities, provide advice on the types of wood in demand and address and explore lesser used species. A Board of Directors was appointed and a five-year operational work plan was prepared.
During the first in a series of consultations held today at the Guyana Forestry Commission’s (GFC) Boardroom, Kingston, Georgetown, discussions focused on the Council’s performance during the past two years, its weaknesses and strengths and the way forward for the FPMC.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, officials of FPMC, the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) including Commissioner James Singh, Guyana Manufacturers Association (GMA), Forest Producers Association (FPA) and forest products exporters were among those present at the session.
Minister Persaud highlighted the consultative approach taken with regard to the Council’s operations over the past two years and its continued functioning which is being discussed with all stakeholders.
“The forestry sector is undergoing changes and we are looking at the issues closely and are keeping our partners au fait with these changes. This will continue and a lot of emphasis will be placed on value-added production,” the Minister said.
He noted that FMPC was developed to guide the industry to take advantage of the marketing opportunities and in continuing its work, focus must be placed on areas that need addressing. These include marketing of lesser-used species, the perception that some companies are given preference by the FMPC as against others and the current operating arrangement of the Council.
It was pointed out that this should be considered taking into account that the FPMC is funded solely by Government with assistance from several projects and agencies. Stakeholders were called upon to ensure greater collaboration to address some of the challenges facing the Council.
FPMC’s Director Luvindra Sukraj reported success in the Council’s operations, evidenced by the increase in exports of forest products with earnings moving from US$43M in 2005 to US$61.5M in 2007, the year in which there was a reduction in the exports of logs.
In the addition, the Council has attended to almost all of the areas outlined in the business plan including exposure for value-added production and understanding the use and promotion of lesser-used wood species. Another area of emphasis was training in areas such as timber grading and saw-doctoring while focus was placed on product development and utilisation of lesser-used wood species.
Getting the industry ready by improving the product line to meet market requirements and legal and sustainable verification were also addressed. To date, the Legal Verification System (LVS) has been developed and is awaiting the necessary operational plans to be put in place for implementation.
Arising from the consultations today, a working group has been established and is required to brief Minister Persaud on the discussions within the next three weeks. The consultations will continue to ensure that the views and recommendations of all stakeholders are included.
The forestry sector contributes about six percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employs about 25 000 persons and plays a key role in the country’s development, particularly in the rural and hinterland communities where forestry activities generate income for many households and contribute to the national economy.
more bulletins
