New outlook study launched

The International Tropical Timber Organization recently awarded an international tender to examine the medium and long-term outlook for the tropical timber market.

Dr Alastair Fraser, Director of LTS International Ltd and team leader for the assignment, visited Yokohama in late September to finalise arrangements for the study. He was briefed by ITTO's Executive Director, Dr. Manoel Sobral Filho, and held discussions with staff of the Division of Economic Information and Market Intelligence, which will oversee the implementation of the pre-project.

The purpose of the study is to redefine and reassess the factors affecting the global supply and demand for tropical timber and wood products in the light of global economic changes brought to a head by the Asian economic crisis.

As part of the work, the consultancy team will develop a model for predicting the effects of alternative economic scenarios on the tropical timber market. This will be made available so that producers, traders and market analysts can assess the consequences of different economic outlooks on tropical timber supply and demand.

The team will deliver its report at the 30th Session of the International Tropical Timber Council, to be held in Cote d'Ivoire in May 2001.

For more information contact: Mr. Amha bin Buang, Assistant Director, Economic Information and Market Intelligence, eimi@itto.or.jp