Tropik Wood Industries Limited has managed to secure a FJ$6 million shipment of woodchip to China after a lapse of four years.

The last time the company sent a shipment there was in 2016. Since then the market did not source further shipments from Fiji and has come at a time when there was a downturn in business.

“During this time of substantial business downturn, Tropik is doing everything to rejuvenate its business for its workers, its landowners and many stakeholders who rely on the pine industry,” Board Chairman, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere said.

“While woodchip has taken a major hit both in terms of volume and price, we have not been leaving it to that.

“We explored our China market and succeeded in securing a shipment.

“The vessel Sun Plus is currently being loaded at our Wairiki facility (Nabouwalu on Vanua Levu) and is expected to take 43,000 tons of woodchips valued at $6m.”

Xiamen C&D Paper and Pulp Compant Ltd.

The company in China where the woodchip is heading is Xiamen C&D Paper and Pulp Compant Ltd.

“We will continue to communicate with our export customers in Japan and China in trying to secure more shipments.”

Ratu Wiliame added that there was a need for all sectors within the Fijian Economy to be working hand in hand with Government’s initiative to drive much needed economic activity.

“The Pine Industry makes an impact on the livelihoods of our landowners most of who reside in isolated interior areas,” he said.The first and fourth quarters quarter are generally our forest replanting operations time which requires substantial investment.

“We are currently preparing for our fourth quarter silvi-culture (replanting) plans and this will also see engagement of contract gangs composed of mostly landowners for the operations,” Ratu Wiliame said.

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