Ukraine's woodworking and furniture industry is currently facing serious challenges that pose a threat to the economic stability of the sector. The lack of modernization and clear regulations creates additional obstacles to its sustainable development. In this regard, experts emphasize the urgent need to introduce changes that would support this important industry for Ukraine.
The updated draft law 4197-d "On the Timber Market" is seen as the only effective mechanism to resolve the existing problems in the woodworking and furniture industry. This document, according to experts, offers transparent rules of the game in the timber market, which is key to ensuring fair competition and stability. In particular, the draft law provides for the introduction of clear criteria for timber sales, elimination of corruption and promotion of investment.
The importance of its adoption was emphasized by Ivan Selekhman, CEO of Kronospan LLC, during a meeting between the business and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ostroh, Rivne region. Selekhman noted that without the adoption of this draft law, the sector will continue to decline, depriving Ukraine's economy of an important investment flow.
The need to quickly resolve the issue of regulations was also one of the main topics at the last meeting of representatives of the woodworking industry with Ukrainian officials. Participants emphasized that positive changes in legislation could stimulate the emergence of new production facilities and attract foreign investment.
One of these positive examples was Cronospan, which has invested more than €1 billion in the Ukrainian woodworking industry. During the war, the company not only maintained its facilities, but also launched a new OSB production line worth €200 million, demonstrating its commitment and faith in the prospects of the Ukrainian economy.
Initiatives to support the woodworking industry should be based on international experience and take into account the specifics of the domestic market. This requires joint efforts of the state, business and the public to create sustainable conditions for the development and modernization of the industry.
The woodworking and furniture industry has always been an important component of the Ukrainian economy, providing jobs for tens of thousands of people and a significant contribution to GDP. Creating favorable conditions for business, investing in innovation and infrastructure are critical to maintaining Ukraine's competitiveness in the global market.
Therefore, the urgent need to adopt the draft law 4197-d is obvious, as it can be a key step towards the recovery and growth of the industry. This will not only preserve existing jobs and opportunities, but will also contribute to the further development of Ukraine's economy as a whole.
