Dec 02, 2004. /Lesprom Network/. The Federal Timber Sector Agency (FTSA) willl raise timber export duties, agency head Valeri Roshupkin said in an interview to Vedomosti newspaper. 'We should raise the duties on raw materials used for sawn timber, veneer and lead production' Valeri Roshupkin said. 'This measure will have a positive effect on the operation of national sawing and veneer enterprises, many of which experience certain difficulties in recieving timely timber deliveries. The lowest duties will be set for low-quality timber used in pulp and paper industry. We have no lack of this type of timber at present, besides we need to maintain the balance of export deliveries to ensure the steady operation of foreign pulp and paper enterprises.' According to Valeri Roshupkin, FTSA has recently introduced its proposals to equalize timber and final product export duties into the Commission on the foreign trade regulation. The measures will improve the conditions for national manufacturers and will stimulate foreign investments in the advanced timber procession, mainly from Finland and China.