Market OppOrtunities in the FOrestry sectOr in asia and sub-saharan aFrica

several trends in the forestry sector show that the market is changing: certification processes and the sourcing requirements of pulp and paper mills are driving the use of plantation timber. For plantations, this means a major shift from manual to mechanized timber processing, the renewal of equipment, machinery and also new ict solutions. even in more mature markets such as australia and new Zealand, growth in demand from china and korea is generating markets for harvesting and wood processing machinery and equipment.

Finpro experts understand the logic of business internationalization. We are continuously monitoring business opportunities and changes in the forest sector in asia and sub-saharan africa. staff in our local trade centers in asia and africa have extensive experience and wide-ranging networks. We support you during initial negotiations, in the operational phase and when providing after-sales services.

www.finpro.fi/english-pages/opportunities-worldwidewww.finpro.fi

Jussi havia project Manager jussi.havia(a)finpro.fi+358 40 343 3396

pietro karjalainen area sales Manager pietro.karjalainen(a)finpro.fi+358 40 179 5755

Smaller Asian countries - Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam - are interesting markets for companies looking niche markets. Myanmar has Asia’s largest forestry resources. Small-scale plantations by private individuals in Vietnam have been successful, and the country’s exports of secondary wooden products such as bone-dry chips have now overtaken exports of similar products by Indonesia.

Markets in Sub-Saharan African countries like Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia are following Kenya, and shifting from aid-driven to market-driven business. Improved governance, political stability and regional integration and co-operation create hubs of forest industry and offer scaling benefits.

Awareness of the value in forests has grown. Both technologies and competence are urgently required to utilize natural resources in the most optimal but also sustainable manner. While industrial concerns in Asia are renewing their production infrastructure, demand for less-sophisticated forestry equipment and machinery is visible: in Sub-Saharan Africa in markets which serve government-backed job creation schemes in the forest sector and also in Asia where farmers are getting into the smaller scale plantations. Both timber production (plantations) and wood processing (mechanized timber processing) are moving closer to the end customer. Housing

needs and demand from the middle classes for high-quality wood-based interior products are driving demand in both Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Finpro encourages Finnish forestry companies to seize this opportunity and enter these markets now. We’re ready to help you do business in Asia and in Sub-Saharan Africa. We understand the industry value chain and business opportunities for Finnish companies offering wood or wood-based products for use in housing projects, machinery for mechanized wood processing and transportation and software and services for the forest industry.

Finpro can support your company in establishing and growing your business in Asia and in countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our services range from hands-on practical support and training to strategy development and implementation. After analyzing your business process, we define criteria and tools for achieving optimal sales channels and identify profitable options for market entry.

The forestry industry in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa is changing. This market opportunity is now open.

Contact us for more information.

THe FOreSTry IndUSTry In ASIA And SUB-SAHArAn AFrICA IS CHAngIng

seppo keränen area sales Manager seppo.keranen(a)finpro.fi+358 40 053 5907