A large part of the surface area of the Republic of Congo is still covered in forests. The largest forest areas are located in the north of the country. They are still little exploited and retain their value. Emile Ouosso Minister, in Congo, explains how the government is coping.
Government incentive measures to eliminate constraints
Despite the various constraints presented by logging in Congo, this represents several opportunities to be seized. In fact, the exploitable forest area is still very vast. In addition, the main forest areas are still sparsely populated. In addition, many resources are available and in great diversity.
According to Emile Ouosso Minister, to promote the country’s economy by exploiting natural resources, the government of Congo takes incentive measures. They also contribute to the annihilation of the constraints above. This can be seen in the rehabilitation and construction of several transport infrastructures. There is also the renewal of handling equipment. To reduce taxation, the government has put in place a new forest tax regime.
What are the constraints of logging in Congo?
Even if the forest occupies a large part of the Congolese territory, the exploitation of resources remains to be controlled. With such an opportunity, it can account for a large part of the country’s economy. “One day it will be,” says Emile Ouosso. The forestry sector represents less than 1% of national GDP. Several factors explain this participation of the sector in the country’s economy.
Infrastructure according to Emile Ouosso Minister
In Congo, the majority of forest areas are still inaccessible, especially in the northern part of the country. Many swamps are present in the forest. In addition, this area is still sparsely populated. This is why infrastructure must be developed to make exporting a little easier. In this case, those who want to exploit this area must still proceed with the construction of several infrastructures such as road networks said Emile Ouosso, Minister of Road Equipment and Maintenance of Congo. We also have to look for electrical energy and drinking water for the workers. All this requires an investment and not the least.
The existence of illegal competition from the informal sector
The majority of the Congolese population makes their daily living through forest products. They are intended for nutrition and the treatment of certain diseases. In addition, she uses wood for cooking or building the house. The demand for these products is increasing in the domestic market. Because of this, competition increases. Thus, the objective is that most sales of these products are made in a formal manner.
This competition is seen not only on the domestic market but also on the international level. Forestry is developing with the existence of the export of certain citrus fruits. Given this, production from Congo represents an interest from an economic point of view.
Fiscal and parafiscal pressure
In Congo, taxation is low. The forestry sector is subject to various necessary taxes. Minister Emile Ouosso indicates that taxation relates to the volume of wood harvested, processed products, exported wood products, production factors, etc. In addition, forest industries are subject to several tax and administrative procedures.