Foreigners from Latvia at this time hold about 150-200 thousand ha forest, or 6% of the total private forest area, announced the President of the “Society of Forest Owners”, Arnis Muyjnieks.
”The fact that foreigners perceive the forest as a profitable investment in future, could serve an example for our compatriots. I must admit that the forests purchased by foreign investors are well managed, and there are no problems with the forest restoration and care. I think that the interest of foreigners for our forests will be maintained. Nowadays, their desire is diminished by the high rate of Latvian Lat, but I admit that there are foreign investors who expect that the cost of the Latvian Lat will decrease and then the acquisition will become more profitable”- he said.
On average, only forest-private property area in Latvia reaches about 7-8 ha. 92% belong to the forest owners with surfaces up to 20 ha, less than 1% - more than 1000 ha, said NBS.
”Today, forest owners understand the value of their property. If only there is no cause beyond control, they expect a better time. We would be happy if the price for wood had been higher than now, and stable and not too high in comparison with 2007. Such short-term records of prices produce nothing good“- added Muyjnieks.
“The Society of Forest Owners” legally unites 72 members, who hold about 1,48 million ha of forest. 90% society members are private forest owners.
Source: http://www.baltic-course.com |
