No promises and no announcements of signed MOU’s as a result of the forestry trade mission to China and Japan.
Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development says China is a tough market with tough negotiators but there are developments that indicate we are on the cusp of something.
Donaldson says there’s a college there that’s churning out people who specialize in wood construction.
When asked if he’s talked with the Chinese about our concern over the shipment of raw logs to China, Donaldson said that’s not the focus of the trip….
Of concern for Vancouver Island, Donaldson was asked about opportunities for Western Red Cedar.
Rick Jeffery, the president of the Coast Forest Products Association says the opportunities are growing for our cedar as the Chinese become more well off and look to outdoor living and lifestyles.
