A source in the ministry of forestry economy said Tuesday in Brazzaville that this year's output would be double the figure recorded a few years ago. Overall national production is expected to reach 850,000 tonnes at the end of 2001, according to official estimates. The northern regions of Sangha and Likouala, accounting for two thirds of log production, will produce 450,000 tonnes. It has made significant investments in the Pokola industrial area, downstream of Ouesso, where it is based. Sangha region is the third largest contributor of taxes on timber to the state, behind Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.
Logs now transit through the Cameroonian port of Douala.
Timber is Congo's second major export after oil. Timber was the leading export commodity in Congo up to 1973. With the end of civil war, some logging companies have resumed their activities.