Korea represents a growing opportunity, according to Jim Farrell, director general of the policy, economics and industry branch of NRC’s Canadian Forest Service.
He said the new office would demonstrate Canada’s commitment to the Korean market. It would also try to break down barriers for Canadian firms wanting to export to Korea – for instance, helping technical experts amend building codes for timber frame homes.
The NRC will work closely with Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd, the British Columbia government’s global promotion agency which has also been targeting Korea.
Korea has one of the highest housing starts per capita according to NRC. Last year nearly 6,000 timber frame houses were built and the market is expected to grow to more than 20,000 units by 2020.
The NRC’s Canada Wood offices are funded by a five-year C$35m partnership between the Canadian government and the wood products industry which has been running since 2002.
