The creation of an Exporting Processing Zone has been approved in the northern Brazilian state of Pará, according to the latest market report of the International Tropical Timber Organisation.

The zone in the municipality of Parauapebas was approved by the Amazon, National Integration and Regional Development Commission.

Companies that set up in the zone will have tax and foreign exchange benefits, plus simplified customs administrative procedures.

Para has a large number of tropical timber sawmills with a high proportion of export production. Some of these mills may relocate to the zone to secure the benefits.