OREANDA-NEWS. January 30, 2012. Enterprises subordinate to the Forestry Ministry of Belarus increased exports 25.8% on the year in 2011 to U.S. USD 133.2 million, the ministry said in a statement.

Belarus exported 1.8 million cubic metres of round timber and 155,000 cubic metres of sawn timber. Paper wood accounts for 57.8% of the total export volume, sawn timber – 19.9%, wooden feedstock – 14.2%.

Belarusian foresters completed a comprehensive rearmament programme in 2011, investing in 24 harvesters, 45 forwarders, 51 short log trucks, 83 loaders and other forestry equipment worth USD 16 million.

As of January 1, 2012, Belarus’ forestry machinery fleets counts 69 harvesters, 130 forwarders, 405 short log trucks and 929 loaders.

By 2012 the Forestry Ministry plans to purchase another 68 harvesters for principal use felling, 150 harvesters for thinning, 325 forwarders and 133 short log trucks.

By 2015 Belarus plans to perform 70% of forest cutting operations by means of contemporary multifunctional equipment. At the moment, the indicator stands at 10%.