Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has ordered to ban the export of unprocessed wood starting from 2016. The instruction was given as the President toured the national forestry breeding and seed production center on 19 August, BelTA has learned. Alexander Lukashenko asked the attendees whether Belarus processes as much wood as it can. According to Belarusian Forestry Minister Mikhail Amelyanovich, $140 million worth of low-grade wood was sold abroad in 2013. This year, 60 million seedlings worth Br24 billion are to be sold, including decorative trees. The President deems it necessary to process all the wood inside the country. “If capitalists pay you $150 million for this trash, it means they need it and they make good money on it. Why cannot we do the same?” the head of state asked. “Let us agree on one thing: you will continue doing what you do this year and the next, however starting from 2016 you will no longer sell timber to other countries. You will stop exporting raw materials starting from 1 January 2016! Only products with a high added value,” Alexander Lukashenko emphasized. He noted that exceptions might be, however, they should be agreed with him personally. Nothing can be sold without his permission.
Written by belta.by
