SI may ban round log exports by 2023
A logging operation in the Western Province.
Solomon Islands is looking at putting a complete stop to round log export by 2023, says Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
Mr Sogavare told SIBC in an exclusive interview recently, saying that with the government’s reform programs in the resources sectors, in order to stimulate economic growth.
“This is one of the key reforms that we are working towards, we want a shift from exporting logs to a more downstream processing,” hes said.
“We would encourage factories to be set up, and we already have indication by companies who are willing to come if we fully implement the sustainable development of the forestry sector.”
He added that the country was also not prepared for the mining sector, describing it as “It’s like we put the cart before the horse”.
He said the mining sector was still needed to be properly developed, though it’s a potential sector to stimulate economic growth in the country.
Prime Minister Sogavare said, he was pleased to note that there are few foreign investors that are doing downstream processing here locally.