The continuing demand for wood-based products has made the country's wood-based industry a potential investment area for the private sector. Although timber production is allowed to a limited amount, the Government assures the industry of a continued supply of timber and coherent policies to facilitate and support their operations.
In view of limited timber resources, the Forestry Department has made a strong call for the country's wood-based industry to diversify and invest further in downstream industry that can produce innovative wood-based products such as panelling products, door and window frames, doors and semi-finished wood products for other uses. Other commercial production of value-added wood products includes finger-jointed timber, furniture parts, and mouldings.
Areas for investment include increased timber processing efficiency, optimum utilization of raw wood materials from the limited forest areas, value-added wood products, and enhanced creativity to develop new wood-based products. In view of this, small sawmillers are urged to combine resources and business strategies in investing in advance and high-tech wood working machinery.
