MINISTER of Agriculture Robert Persaud, on Friday last, held a meeting with Senior Executives and other members of the Forest Products Association (FPA) and Commissioner of Forests of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) Mr. James Singh as a follow up on the commitment made by the Minister to have regular dialogue with sector stakeholders on policy and operational matters.
According to a joint press statement signed by the Agriculture Minister and the President of  the FPA, the latter pointed to a number of issues that are affecting their operations, both current and past, including the renewal of Timber Sales Agreement, parts of the Code of Practice and the 10-metre rule amongst others.
The statement said the FPA also listed a number of issues for future discussions.
The Minister responded and there was said to have been a very intense and comprehensive engagement within the short time frame.
At the end of the meeting, the FPA expressed some satisfaction with the decision taken by the Minister to address areas of immediate concern.
“All parties however agreed that some issues needed immediate additional clarification and discussion, so that timely action could be taken to address them,” the statement said.
At the request of the FPA, the Minister confirmed that a meeting of the GFC Board of Directors and the FPA would take place in July 2010 and at regular intervals thereafter, to allow dialogue, involvement and understanding of pertinent issues of the industry.
The minister also mandated the GFC to follow up on regular meetings between the FPA, Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association and the GFC to improve relationship through the Ministerial Committee which was established in 2007.
All parties present at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to working in partnership to further the positive development of the forestry sector in Guyana and the realization of its full potential.