"In order to maintain the competitiveness of our Forest-based sector Europe should continue to be an active pioneer, both in increasing eco-efficiency and in shifting focus from non-renewable resources to renewable resources. Renewable natural resources, like wood, offer numerous opportunities to promote competitiveness, sustainability and well-being in Europe." The Finnish minister of Agriculture and Forestry Juha Korkeaoja opened the Forest-based Sector Conference in Brussels.

The European Commission and national governments have to take the responsibility in defining such policies that the use of renewable resources can support the objectives of growth, employment and well-being. At the moment there are too many obstacles in rules and regulations hindering the full use of the wood-based products to contribute to our societies.

We have to guarantee that European Union and its member states keep on developing the internal market as an area which recognises that goods produced on its territory, can move freely from country to another without any barriers of trade. Wood-based products of the European Union could be made as an example how governments and other public buyers promote renewable European products in their procurement policies. Special attention should be paid when selecting tools to verify sustainability of the forest products. Impact of such a tool must be carefully considered. For instance, certification can provide advantages but only if the process is not monopolised by any single certification scheme.

We have to keep in mind the serious competition our companies confront in the global markets. This sector is lead by strong European companies with the support of from the policy makers. I find it essential that the EU understands the possibilities of this sector and develops policies that will enhance the competitiveness of this sector.

Further information from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry:
State secretary Pekka Pesonen, tel. +358 (0) 400 664 840