Commerce Minister Urges Timber Sector to Boost Forest Growth

Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan has called upon the timber trading industry to actively contribute to the expansion of forests. He also assured them of governmental assistance in resolving significant trade-related obstacles.

The minister voiced these comments during an in-depth discussion with a delegation from the All Pakistan Timber Traders Association (APTTA). The delegation was headed by Chairman Muhammad Sharjil Goplani, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry of Commerce.

The group brought attention to critical problems, such as difficulties with banking, delays in permits, issues with shipments, bureaucratic obstacles, and problems related to the Department of Plant Protection (DPP).

Chairman Goplani told the minister that Pakistan depends significantly on timber imports to satisfy domestic needs. The primary supplier is the United States, followed by Germany, Sweden, Finland, the Philippines, and Canada. He stated, “Only 1.9% of our land has forest cover, which falls well short of what the country needs.”

In response to the issues voiced, Jam Kamal guaranteed the delegation that the government is dedicated to finding solutions. He instructed the relevant departments to act quickly to address permit and documentation-related problems.

The minister also stressed how crucial it is to increase local forest cover. He commented, “For the sake of coming generations, we must accept this duty.” He pushed the association to include forest development in their long-term strategy and offered the government’s complete support.

He gave instructions to the relevant departments to survey different regions of Balochistan, especially flood-prone and non-arable areas, to assess their suitability for forest plantations.

He mentioned a few locations with untapped potential and suggested planting fast-growing tree species like Cano, Safeda, and Subabul (Subrus).

The minister was also informed by the association that timber is regarded as a vital commodity and is presently exempt from customs fees.