The latest fortnightly Tropical Timber Market report produced by the International Tropical Timber Market Organization (ITTO) has alluded to work being done by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to upgrade the capacity of the country’s wood-processing industry. The report says that the GFC is focusing its efforts on the development and adoption by the local forestry industry of a code of practice for wood processing and planning skills for the development of the wood-processing sector.
The report’s reference to the GFC’s wood-processing pursuits comes amidst concerns that have been expressed in the sector over what is believed to be an imbalance between the export of cut logs on the one hand and initiatives designed to add value to timber prior to export.
The report says that “recovery studies” have been conducted “to assess the current level of efficiency of operations, profitability and competitiveness in relation to raw material sources, quality of species, applied technology and operator experience and skill level.”
The report adds that national consultations have been conducted in the sector preparatory to the creation of a draft plan while a draft code has also been prepared to determine the best practices for conditions in Guyana. The draft is to be subjected to peer review both locally and internationally.
Coincidentally, the report states that during the period under review there were no exports of greenheart logs from Guyana. However, the sector benefitted from increased prices for both undressed and dressed greenheart over the fortnight under review. In contrast to the upward movement of greenheart prices, prices for purpleheart slid during the same period. The report says that while plywood exports continue prices have eased in recent weeks.
According to the report, the local forestry sector could further increase its earnings in the future on account of growing international market interest in sawn wood from many of Guyana’s lesser known species. These timbers are reportedly being used for internal, external and structural end-use applications.
