A Zambian company is about to export its first consignment of timber worth about US$28,000 to the US.
Falls Way Timbers Ltd, which has another US$25,000 timber consignment earmarked for South Africa, is also looking to open up markets for finished furniture in Zambia.
The company, which is receiving assistance from the Export Board of Zambia, says that 70% of its products are export oriented.
However, it claims productivity is being constrained by lack of staff at the Forestry Department, increased royalty charges for each tree that is felled, and a shortage of skilled labour.
It also maintains that government policy changes have not helped the timber industry as potential investors believe the risks are high because of uncertainty.
