ABOUT 301 million bamboos in natural forests are cut down every year to be used as raw materials for producing pulp and paper, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.

Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Khin Maung Yi stated in his meeting with industrial entrepreneurs at the United Paper Mill in Dagon Myothit (East) Township on 26 November that measures would be taken to set up plantations of fast-growing species of trees and bamboos to provide raw materials in the long run for paper production.

As the country faces a high demand for paper, a variety of raw materials such as trees, bamboos, straws, and banana fibres are being used. Additionally, waste paper is recycled for producing paper.

The Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, and the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry are reportedly working together to boost the manufacturing of pulp and paper.

T h e n e w s p r i n t m i l l (Thaboung) resumed operations in August after a hiatus. If it can operate at full capacity, it will be capable of producing newsprint as well as other types of paper. Besides the Thaboung paper mill, paper production once depended on the Yeni and Sittoung paper mills, the latter of which has been shut down due to its advanced age.

ASH/NT

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