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As of 2020, no new round log export permits have been awarded to foreign corporations, according to James Marape.
He stated in Parliament that round log exports must cease by 2025.
PM Marape stated this in response to queries from Hon. Ambunti-Drekikier, the Member of Parliament for Ambunti-Drekikier. Foreign enterprises exporting round logs, according to Johnson Wapunai.
“My Government has a clear policy view (on round log exports),” he said.
“There must be a time when we stop round log exports.
“We must process our logs in-country.
“That commitment still stands.
“When we came in, we said that from 2020 onwards, there will be more issuance of licenses to new companies to export round logs.
“The only exception will be local companies, national companies, landowner companies, provincial government companies.
“That is the thinking of my Pangu Pati Government.”
All current license holders must engage with the government to relocate into the downstream processing domain, according to PM Marape.
He stated that he will provide a detailed scorecard on the policy's progress before the conclusion of the current Parliament in April.
Reference: PM James Marape News Page (18 Jamuary 2022). “PM Marape says no new round log export licenses since 2020”.
