Wednesday, 6 April 2005

Copeland welcomes Forest Industry Development Agenda

United Future Forestry spokesperson Gordon Copeland today welcomed the Forest Industry Development Agenda which aims to take forestry to first place among NZ export earners by 2025.

“New Zealand has long had a comparative competitive advantage in growing high quality clear wood timber in the space of just 25 years or so. However I don’t think any of us will feel satisfied about that reality whilst log exports continue to constitute such a large part of the industry’s exports.

“To be successful we need to move up the value chain and will only get there through innovative technology and design.

“The $23 million now set aside by government and industry can, combined with Kiwi science and Kiwi ingenuity, take this industry to a number one position in our export stakes.

“The payback for the entire nation will be substantial.”

ENDS

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