Accra, Feb. 27, GNA - Ghana reaped about 184 million Euros from the export of timber in 2005, an increase of 7.92 per cent over the same period in 2004.

The country exported 466,155 cubic metres of timber compared to 455,180 cubic metres in 2004.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at the 10th Ghana International Trade Fair, Mrs Hilda Awuah-Seiwaah, Accra Office Manager of Timber Industry Development Division of the Forestry Commission, said, Europe still remained the biggest market in terms of volumes and values.

Europe alone accounted for 46.52 per cent of the total value exported in 2005. The main destinations included Italy, France, Ireland, Holland, Germany and Spain.

Export to Africa amounted to 19.6 million Euros out of which countries within ECOWAS accounted for more than 12.8 million Euros almost 65.70 per cent of the value. The exports to the African market were mostly in the form of plywood and sawn timber.

United States accounted for 14.98 per cent of the value while Far East and Middle East represented 17.74 per cent and 9.45 per cent, respectively.

Mrs Awuah-Seiwaah said the Division was targeting countries within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a means to boost trade within the Sub-Region.

Countries being reached are Burkina Faso, Togo, Senegal and Mali. She said the Division was also promoting six lesser-known species, which were in abundant and could be exploited commercially. Besides, the Division was promoting and facilitating stronger links with timber companies and standard organisation around the world. "We are monitoring standards to ensure that the country's exports meet internationally accepted standards."

Mrs Awuah-Seiwaah appealed to the public to switch to the use of the lesser-known species such as Esa, Danfa and Afena for construction and making of furniture. 27 Feb. 06