Papua New Guinea (PNG) is to stop the export of logs by 2010, forest minister Belden Namah has said.
Speaking on the PNG National Broadcasting Corporation’s government talkback show, Mr Namah said that the move would see more timber processed within the country and result in investments in downstream processes.
This will give landowners an opportunity to make more money from internal manufacturing, he said.
Mr Namah also announced an improved royalty deal for PNG landowners, who will now receive around £5.60 per m³ from logging companies instead of the current level of around £1.90.
