Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission

Growing green assets: Removing constraints to private sector investment in forestry in Asia and the Pacific


Edited by

Michael Pescott, Patrick B. Durst, and Robin N. Leslie





RAP PUBLICATION 2010/18

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific





Download document : Part I (1.3 MB) Part II (2.3 MB)



The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not they have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.

The views expressed in this information product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of FAO.

ISBN 978-92-5-106723-9


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©FAO 2010


Cover design: Chanida Chavanich

For copies, write to:
Patrick B. Durst
Senior Forestry Officer
FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
39 Phra Atit Road
Bangkok 10200
Thailand
Tel: (66-2) 697 4000
Fax: (66-2) 697 4445
E-mail: [email protected]


Abstract

The prospects for attracting increased investments in forestry may never have been higher: society is increasingly acknowledging the multiple benefits and functions of forests, demand for forest products is expanding rapidly and institutional investors are seeking investment opportunities for the billions of US dollars amassed in their funds. So why isn't more private sector investment being made in forestry in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in developing countries? Why is it that investors continue to favour North America, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and the European Union in their forestry investment decisions? And why are domestic investors in Asia and the Pacific largely avoiding the forestry sector?

Through a series of nine country case studies and regional analysis, this publication presents answers to these questions and provides guidance to policy-makers on approaches and priorities for removing key impediments and streamlining forestry investment in the region.