Bai Shan Lin’s request to export logs denied

Bai Shan Lin’s request to export logs denied
Guyana Chronicle
23 April 2007
http://www.guyanachronicle.com/news.html

Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, who has responsibility for the
forestry sector, has refused a request by Bai Shan Lin, a Chinese
company, to export round logs for a period of 12 months, a release from
the Ministry of Agriculture said.

According to the release, during the past six months, in discussions
between the government and the company, the management of Bai Shan Lin
emphasised their interest was in promoting value added activities in
the forestry sector, and a commitment was made not to engage in the
export of round logs.

Based on these commitments, the government continued to talk with
officials of Bai Shan Lin on the procedures to be followed to acquire
suitable land for the establishment of value added facilities and to
access forest resources, the release said.

“Unfortunately, Bai Shan Lin did not comply with its commitment not to
export round logs. After observing requests for the exports of round
logs by the company, it was advised that this was in breach of their
commitment. No further export of round logs would be allowed by the
company and all relevant agencies have been so advised,” stated the
release.

It added that the company then appealed to the Agriculture Minister to
allow for a grace period of 12 months during which the export of round
logs would be allowed.

However, the minister declined to grant such a request, and reminded
the company of its commitment to become immediately engaged in value
added production.