Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia`s forestry exports are estimated to reach US$9 billion this year, up 30 percent from last year`s US$ 7 billion.

The new foreign exchange earning would be achieved if the forestry ministry could optimize the existing opportunities and potentials as well as intensify coordination with the related institutions, Agung Nugraha, chairman of the Indonesian Forestry Community (MPI) said here Friday.

"The potential is huge because our products have applied the legal wood standard through the mechanism of Timber Legality Verification System (SVLK) which has been internationally recognized," he said.

Indonesia`s forestry exports include plywood, pulp and paper, furniture and sawn timber.

"I think the demand for timber will increase in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and strong subsequent tsunami in Japan. We must be able to meet the potential demands," he said.

(T. A027/F001/H-NG)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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