The Republic of the Congo (RoC) and China signed an agreement to develop 21,268 hectares of wood from state-owned forest plantations in the country’s Pool, Niari and Lékoumou departments.
The agreement was signed in Brazzaville on August 30 by RoC Minister of Forest Economy Rosalie Matondo and Chinese company Xian He Congo CEO Zhu Yongqing. Over $25 million will be invested as part of the 30-year agreement.
“This project provides for an improvement in the living conditions of local populations. Part of the income from wood production will be allocated to a local development fund intended to finance community micro projects,” Minister Matondo stated.
Xian He Congo will install a wood processing unit, adopt sustainable forest management techniques and invest in local content development including the buildup of education and health facilities.
The project will generate nearly 200 jobs.
