Russian President calls for support for timber processing within the country

Photo caption: Alexey Druzhinin, RIA Novosti

President Vladimir Putin emphasized the need to support domestic wood processing enterprises. During a meeting with Kaluga Region Governor Vladislav Shapsha, the head of state noted that the industry is facing difficulties in global markets, so it is important to develop processing within the country in accordance with Russia's strategic goals.

The President inquired about the prospects for wood processing in the region. Vladislav Shapsha reported that four plants for deep processing of low-grade wood are already operating in the region, and a fifth enterprise is planned to be launched in the near future. Vladimir Putin supported the initiative and noted the importance of such projects for the country's economy.

The development of the forest industry complex was previously discussed at a meeting of the subcommittee on increasing the stability of the financial sector and economic sectors, headed by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak. The meeting participants reviewed measures to stimulate demand in the domestic market, improve export logistics and reduce the tax burden on enterprises.

Among the key decisions:

• development of transport logistics: the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and JSC Russian Railways are working to increase the number of direct container trains for timber industry enterprises;
• support for wooden housing construction: the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Industry and Trade are developing mechanisms to stimulate demand for timber industry products in construction;
• creation of domestic logging equipment: the development of a roadmap for its development has become one of the key initiatives previously proposed by the Russian Timber Association and OPORA RUSSIA.

The Russian Timber Association has repeatedly raised the issue of revising measures to support the forest industry complex and adapting them to current realities and challenges. Now the need for such changes has been confirmed at the highest level: the President of Russia has once again pointed out the need to support domestic timber processors experiencing difficulties.