Lithuania ranks third in the Belarusian timber export list behind Poland and Germany, it was learnt from Olga Kravtsova, expert of the sales and marketing department of the Forestry Ministry.

“Despite the global financial crisis that affected the economies of Belarus and Lithuania, cooperation in the forestry sector remains one of our top priorities,” said the expert.

In January-July 2009 the Belarusian timber companies exported $2.3 million worth of timber products to Lithuania, 9.3% of the total timber export. Shaped timber is the basic import item of Lithuania. In January-July 2009 Belarus exported 11,200 cubic meters of shaped timber to the tune of more than $1.5 million. Belarus also exports pellets and pulpwood to Lithuania. For the period under review the country sold $260,000 worth of pulpwood.

As a neighbor of Belarus, Lithuania has several advantages. The supplies to Lithuania are profitable for the Belarusian companies due to its close distance.

Belarusian-Lithuanian forum in Vilnius slated for 16 September will play its role in expanding forestry cooperation between the two countries. Attending the forum will be a representative of the Forestry Ministry of Belarus, top managers of the Belarusian timber companies. The forum is a part of the BelExpo-2009 National Exhibition of Belarus in Lithuania.

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