The parliamentary elections in Norway were a great success for the left wing. The three parties concerned are now pursuing negotiations for forming the new government. The Norwegian Forest Owners’ Federation is glad to see that there is a basis for forming a majority coalition.

In a letter to the coalition partners the Federation has presented proposals for improving the economic conditions for forestry. The Federation has reminded the three parties of their campaign promises to act in close co-operation with the business community. Some of the Federation’s requests are full compensation for forest protection, reduced transport costs for timber, increased budget appropriations for forestry and restraints on introducing new environment conservation provisions that are detrimental to forestry.
We wish to have a serious study of these proposals made during the first half of 2006, in co-operation with the new government, says Mr Ivar Korsbacken, Managing Director of the Norwegian Forest Owners’ Federation.