Germany will begin direct dialogue with the Argentine forestry industry to promote projects ahead of the entry into force of the Mercosur-EU agreement
The Argentine Forestry Industrial Council (CONFIAR), made up of the Argentine Federation of the Wood and Related Industries (FAIMA), Association of Manufacturers and Representatives of Machines, Equipment and Tools for the Wood Industry (ASORA), Argentine Forestry Association (AFoA), Association of Pulp and Paper Manufacturers (AFCP) and the Argentine Rural Society, analyzed together with representatives of Germany opportunities to strengthen the national forestry industry within the framework of the agreement between Mercosur and the European Union.
During the meeting, German officials reported that the International Forest Policy Division was commissioned to initiate a direct dialogue with the Argentine private sector, with the aim of designing specific projects that can be launched once the trade agreement comes into force. From the Embassy they especially highlighted the relevance of the process contemplating active participation of the business sector, considering that public-private articulation will be key to take advantage of the opportunities that arise from the new integration scenario. At the meeting, CONFIAR made a synthetic presentation on the current situation and the strategic projection of the different segments that make up the Argentine forest-industrial chain. The main axes presented included: • Certifications linked to sustainable forest management. • Sustainable production and traceability. • Added value, innovation and industrial design. • Access to international financing and rates to incorporate cutting-edge technology. The exchange made it possible to identify areas of common interest and possible lines of technical and commercial cooperation between both countries. Next steps: exchange platform As a result of the meeting, the Embassy will negotiate with entities German sectoral authorities and authorities of the corresponding ministry to hold a virtual meeting with CONFIAR. The objective will be to advance in the formation of an Exchange Platform that facilitates the design of joint actions and lays the foundations for a future bilateral cooperation project in forestry-industrial matters. Strengths of the Argentine forestry sectorIn the case of the forestry sector, Argentina has approximately 1.2 million hectares of plantations, of which about 900,000 are concentrated in the region Mesopotamian.Among its main indicators are:• • Close to 50% of the surface certified under international standards such as PEFC or FSC.• • Forestry management and genetic improvement programs.• • Average annual increases of between 25 and 35 m³ per hectare.• • Average cutting shifts of 12 years.• • Productivities that reach up to 350 m³ per hectare.These attributes position the country. with comparative advantages to respond to new environmental standards and consolidate its presence in markets that prioritize sustainability, traceability and value addition.
