MOSCOW, March 18, 2004. (RIA Novosti) - The introduction of a new Forest Code will increase revenues from the forest use from 6.5 million rubles (approximately $230 million) to 8-9 billion rubles, Minister for Economic Development and Trade German Gref told journalists.
Greater control of the forest, as well as a higher price of timber will account for this increase, he said.
A sizeable price increase is not expected during the first stage, Mr Gref emphasized.
The cost of timber will reach an "economically efficient and justified" level, Mr Gref explained.
