Myanmar's Timber Export Increases

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Myanmar's Timber Export Increases

Xinhua, 2 June 2000. Myanmar exported a total of 137,962 cubic-meters
of teak and hardwood in the first two months of this year, earning altogether
36.6 million U.S. dollars, according to the latest figures published by the
country's Central Statistical Organization.

The export volume of the timber increased by 17.75 percent, however its
earning reduced by 4.9 percent compared with the same period of 1999.

In 1999, Myanmar exported a total of 822,256 cubic-meters of teak and
hardwood, earning altogether 216 million dollars.

Timber has become Myanmar's second largest export goods after
agricultural products.

Myanmar's forest covers 50 percent of the country's total area, a
7-percent reduction compared with 1962 when it was 57 percent.

To protect environment, Myanmar plans to increase the reserved
and protected public forest areas to 30 percent from 18.6 percent.

Besides, Myanmar has established 30,375 hectares of forest
plantations annually including 8,100 hectares of teak plantations.