Sep 05, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Minister of natural resources Gary Lunn is pleased to announce the official opening of the Canada Wood office in Seoul, South Korea. Representatives of the government of Canada, including Canada's ambassador to Korea, Marius Grinius, and the Council of Forest Industries were in Seoul to welcome the office opening. "Canada's new government is pleased to encourage this increased level of cooperation and dialogue with Korean stakeholders," said Minister Lunn. "The Canada Wood Program demonstrates our commitment to improving market access internationally for Canada's wood products. Canada's forest-products sector continues to contribute to the economic health and well-being of Canadians." This initiative is made possible under the Canada Wood Program, which is a five-year, $35-million partnership between the government of Canada and the domestic wood industry. Natural Resources Canada works with wood-product associations, provinces and industry partners to diversify Canada's wood-products exports to offshore markets, such as South Korea. The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is one of the most promising markets in Asia for Canadian wood products and has one of the highest housing starts per capita. In 2005, close to 6 000 wood-frame houses were built. Market forecasts indicate that timber-frame housing has the potential to grow to more than 20 000 units per year by 2020, increasing demand for wood products such as flooring, wood panelling, cabinets and moulding. The new office advances the commitment of Canada's government to enhancing the trade and investment potential of our natural resources and delivering real change and real results for Canadians.