The agreement of China and Russia for 0.2 percent of Russia’s wood is bound to be severely criticized both by the green movement and public-spirited Russians.
Photo: Nikolay Cyiganov
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China Looks for Wood in Siberia
Chinese forestry officials are deciding whether to take on lease a million hectares of Tyumen wood, i.e. 0.2 percent of Russia’s wood suitable for industrial operation. If clinched, the biggest deal in the national wood history will allow constructing a new pulp and paper enterprise and attract around $1 billion in investments.
The sensational project studied by Chinese delegation sets forth leasing a million hectares of wood in Siberia to a venture of Russia and China. The respective framework agreement was sealed in Beijing in April 2006.
Russia obviously took pains to get ready for the lease negotiations. The customs officials tightened control of the timber exports to China and the duties on round timber were hiked. As a result, the timber exports to that country materially slid over three months, prompting China to eye the regions, where it may lease the wood area.
Russia’s offer is a cutting area in the Tyumen Region. In addition to other benefits, Russia attempts to commit the future lessees to construct $1-billion pulp and paper enterprise in the region. China goes through other options as well, wanting an area closer to the border.
But the location notwithstanding, the agreement of China and Russia for 0.2 percent of the country’s wood is bound to be severely criticized both by the green and public-spirited natives.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of July 28, 2006
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