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The Republic of Congo has potential for significant commercial forestry activities covering approx half of the entire territory with millions of hectares FSC certified.
President Sassou N'Guesso was the first Congo President to impose a restrictions on log exports. In 1997, and 60 % of all logs felled should be processed and treated within the country promoting investment in factories and employement.
A program is now underway to rapidly develop education centers that can train a responsible workforce within the sector according to a report in the US China Daily.
It was reported that there are currently 30 companies specializing in Congo's timber industry, and more than half of them are foreign with China providing the leading market for wood exports, followed by the European Union.
Last year, Congo and the EU signed a partnership to combat illegal forest exploitation, which stated that from July, any cargo of wood entering the EU from Congo must have authorization testifying its legal origins.
The education centres wiill play a big part of the fight to change attitudes on illegal logging and treatment of indigenous animals.
Source: US China Daily
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