Forestry sector achieved a record-breaking export revenue of $118.5 million in 2021 – PM

The forestry sector achieved a record-breaking export revenue of $118.5 million in 2021, up $41.9 million compared to 2020.

This was highlighted by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while launching the Ministry of Forestry 2022-2023 Annual Operational Plan last night.

Bainimarama says they are making profits without pillaging our forestry resources.

He adds and on the back of advances to make this Industry more efficient, such as an online application process for harvesting licenses, approvals are now turned around in one hour, on average.

Insert: record broken NK

Bainimarama says since its launch in 2019, the 30 million trees in 15 years initiative has put 15,567,189 new trees and mangroves in the ground – taking them to over half of their goal in less than four years.

He adds those new trees and mangroves cover an area of over 14,000 hectares.

Bainimarama says with a budget of $17.1 million in the 2022-2023 budget, the Ministry’s Annual Operational Plan outlines how this Ministry will continue to grow the green economy in co-operation with the rest of the Government machinery and the private sector.