Meeting with the President of the Russian Federation on the development of the forest industry complex

Vladimir Putin held a meeting with members of the Government, the main topics of the meeting were support and development of the forestry complex. The President also took part in the opening ceremony of new forestry complex facilities in a number of regions.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia: "The Russian forestry industry has good prospects, large reserves - and the potential for confident growth. Russia accounts for a fifth of the world's timber reserves, and we will definitely develop the entire technological chain of efficient use of our forest resources".

The Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov reported on the current situation and measures to support the forestry industry:

Domestic enterprises continue their course towards import substitution: over the past five years, the share of Russian manufacturers in the domestic market has grown from 82 to 89%. All segments of the forestry complex - from wood processing to furniture production - are demonstrating steady growth. Last year alone, demand for products increased by 22%, and the total profit of enterprises grew by almost 37%.
Government support is increasing. In 2024, 69 enterprises received transport subsidies totaling 5 billion rubles, and another 21 projects were financed by the Industrial Development Fund for 5.7 billion rubles.
Against the backdrop of sanctions, the Northwestern Federal District showed significant results, where timber harvesting increased by 2 million m³. The regions increased production of most types of products.
At the same time, large-scale modernization of pulp and paper and board production continues. Work is underway in the Leningrad, Arkhangelsk, Nizhny Novgorod regions, Perm Krai and Karelia. In the Irkutsk region, the construction of a pulp and cardboard mill has been completed, which will annually process over 2.8 million m³ of low-grade wood, including from the Far East.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade also proposed a program to convert boiler houses to biofuel - pellets and briquettes. The initiative is aimed at reducing emissions, supporting the forestry industry and updating heat generation in remote regions. In parallel, the opening of export channels to China and Mongolia for the supply of wood pellets is being discussed.
Additionally, it is planned to remove one of the key barriers to the construction of forest roads. Currently, forest leaseholders are forced to obtain a license for the extraction of minerals in order to use sand for road works. The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Natural Resources will simplify this procedure by removing excessive administrative restrictions.
Special attention is paid to mechanical engineering. Together with specialized enterprises, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is preparing a roadmap for organizing the production of domestic logging equipment. The development has already begun.

All the announced areas are reflected in the draft strategy for the development of the forestry complex until 2030. The document is currently being finalized — the forecast horizon has been extended to 2035. The strategy is being prepared for approval by the Government. The Russian Timber Association takes an active part in the work on the strategy, makes proposals on key areas and systematically transmits feedback from businesses. Dialogue with industry enterprises helps to form support measures focused on the real needs of forestry complex participants.