28 October 2013: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and partners, in collaboration with the governments of Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo, published a report on the wood processing industry in the Congo Basin.

The report contains the outcomes of a series of workshops financed by FAO, ITTO and the European Union (EU). Overall, the report discusses the economic importance of wood processing in the Congo Basin, especially primary processing, however it notes that there is unrealized economic potential from the use of by-products and a need for an improved investment climate.

The report also notes four main areas for strategic development of the wood processing industry in the sub-region. These include generating political will and a favorable business environment through, for example, the development of regional strategies and financial incentive systems. The publication also highlights the need for secure access to inputs and production tools and technologies, including a well-trained workforce. Finally the report addresses the creation of a structured wood value chain including quality standardization, and the development of profitable formal markets, including through market promotion and the adoption of supportive policies. [Publication: Towards a Development Strategy for the Wood Processing Industry in the Congo Basin]