The EU has initiated a programme for Africa designed to bring opportunities for investment and technical co-operation between companies importing, processing and marketing timber and producers of wood and wood products. A first workshop was held in Libreville in 2004. A further meeting is under consideration for 2006 which will focus more on West Africa with special reference to Ghana. The "Pro Invest" programme saw participation at the first "RACEWOOD" meeting by forty European and a similar number of African companies. For more information contact ATIBT Paris:ta@atibt.com

Ghana has focused strongly on the need to grow more trees to ensure future wood supply for domestic and export needs. The international debate in Climate Change has included talk of offsetting carbon emissions by industry through the absorption of carbon dioxide by young plantation trees via financing systems. For more information contact tiddlondon@ghanatimber.co.uk

The UK Timber Trade Federation has published a leaflet titled "Responsible Timber Purchasing" which sets out for its many importer members the ways in which they should endeavour to purchase timber from companies showing a proper respect for forest management. For more information contact The Timber Trade Federation. Email:rpp@ttf.co.uk

The second meeting of the Commission for Africa took place in Ethiopia in October. Prior to this, in early September, an informal discussion at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London focused on forestry and its contribution to development, and the prospect of making policy recommedations on this to the Commission. Among ideas raised were the prospect of a Pan African Certification scheme, timber procurement policies based on legality of sourcing, and private sector disclosure relating to forest concessions.

We are pleased to announce the availability of Ghana timber export statistics on this website. These statistics allow visitors to view information about what timber is being exported and where it is going. Included in the service is the ability to view the statistics in graphical format providing you with instant access to up to date export information.

You can view the statistics pages by going here and selecting the type of information you are interested in. For more information about Ghana exports please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements.