Some 20 chief executives from forest industries of 12 countries met at a roundtable event in London on 28 May, which was arranged by the International Council of Forest and Paper Association (ICFPA).
They warned that government subsidiaries risk creating deep distortions in competition and that protectionism and a focus on regional economy will lead to a reduced global trade, potentially deepening the crisis.
They also said that forestry companies will be setting the standards for successful business models once the worst of the recession is over with its use of renewable materials, sustainable production processes and its adaptation to nature's carbon cycle.
Even so, the forestry chief executives also said that the sector has not reached its full potential in terms of sustainable production.
ICFPA comprises of trade associations in 43 countries that represent industries accounting for 90% of the world's paper and more than 50% of the world's wood production.
Forestry industry warns of damaging short-term economic policies
Business chiefs from forestry companies around the world have warned that inward-looking government policies aimed at tackling the economic crisis may do more harm than good.
