Jan 24, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. Czech paper and cardboard production grew by some 5% to slightly over one million tonnes last year, according to experts' estimates, Milos Lesikar of the Paper and Pulp Association told CTK. The growth in the production, which started in 2000, thus continued, pulled by reconstructions as well as by raising the output of the existing production plants. Exports and imports of paper grew as well. Sales on foreign markets are estimated at 790 000 tonnes last year, up 9% over 2005. Imports rose by 7% to an estimated 1.2 million tonnes. Imports are thus higher than the whole domestic output and cover most of the domestic consumption. Finnish firm Myllykoski wanted to build a large paper mill with 250 employees and a capacity of up to 380 000 tonnes of paper annually in Opatovice nad Labem, East Bohemia. Last year in October, however, it announced it would make investment in Germany. "It is a pity because the investment would lower the Czech Republic's dependence on paper imports, while exports would rise and help improve the [trade] balance," Mr. Lesikar said. Per capita paper consumption is expected to have grown to roughly 140 kilogrammes last year, against 134 kilogrammes in 2005. This is higher than the European average but below the level of the original EU members where consumption stands at some 200 kilogrammmes per capita.