Approximately 55,000 tonnes of woodchips valued at $6.4 million are being exported to China, Fiji Pine Group has confirmed.

The wood chip shipment was out of our factory in Wairiki, Bua, Vanua Levu, said Fiji Pine Group chief executive officer Vimlesh Kumar.

Mr Kumar said the company had adapted to the new normal and adjusted business plans to suit the new environment.

“While we continue to export woodchips, our sawtimber sales have taken a major hit with sales below 30 per cent of what we used to have in the past,” Mr Kumar said.

“We anticipate this trend to continue, given the challenges brought about by COVID-19.”

The sawmill at Drasa, Lautoka, has been temporarily closed for business, because of the COVID-19 related impact, he said.

Meanwhile, the group has continued to engage employees in alternative work.

He said they were working hard to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, on their workers and stakeholders.

“We continue to consult with the Government and our pine landowners,” Mr Kumar said.

In another development, rehabilitation works in the North have continued, he said.

“Just last week, we delivered three truck loads of building materials to our landowners in Bua,” Mr Kumar said.

“These are coming out of the project’s component of the Lease Security Bonus Payment.”

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