Annual forestry exports up over 6 percent during 2009

Financing future forestry growth is the focus for a new forestry conference which is drawing a wide audience from both the finance sector and many new participants in the industry. reports Friday off cuts.”Many people in both the finance industry and the investment sector are waking up to the real opportunities which are happening now in New Zealand forestry”, said conference organiser John Stulen of the Forest Industry Engineering Association.
“Annual forestry exports were up over 6 percent during 2009 compared to the previous year when the rest of the NZ economy was in decline. In fact the forestry sector had excellent export shipments throughout 2009 and with growth prospects through 2010 looking even better”, he added. Many of the countries that are key wood export markets are now rebounding from recession with resulting increases in demand.

“Key finance companies, Maori trusts and investment managers are three key groups that have recognised the importance of forestry now to the export economy of New Zealand” said Mr Stulen. “Both groups have been signing up for this conference in droves - which will make for a wide cross-section of people at this event and a great networking opportunity for everyone involved.” Two of the key topics on the agenda are global developments in bioenergy markets, particularly the potential in Asia-Pacific, as well as commercial realities for carbon credits for forest owners.

The conference is led by Forest Industry Engineering Association working with the New Zealand Forest Owners Association, Wood Processors Association, Forest Industry Contractors Association, Federation of Maori Authorities, Resource Management Law Association, the Southern Wood Council and the Institute of Finance Professionals. Event sponsors include bnz partners and RISI - a major USA-based international forestry adviser.

“Important structural changes in forestry ownership through treaty settlements have added significant Maori ownership of the timberlands. With Maori communities now making up a big percentage of the workforce in traditional forestry their new land ownership role bodes well for the industry’s future” said Stulen. A similar programme has been set up with forestry companies, industry associations and financial institutions in Australia which runs on 1 and 2 March 2010.