Nov 10, 2003. /Lesprom Network/. Irkutsk-region timber-industry sector increased paper production by 73%, chipboard production - up by 32%, veneer production - up by 1% within 9 months in 2003, SIA news quoting Irkutsk regional Committee on statistics reported. Timber, timber-processing and pulp and paper industry production value in Irkutsk-region increased within 9 months in 2003 to 22090 million rubles, making 112% compared with the prior period in 2002. Major and medium timber, timber-processing and pulp and paper industry enterprises’ production value equalled 18964 million rubles making 110,1% compared with the prior period in 2002. The enterprises dispatched production worth 17935 million rubles (116,6%) making 95,9% of the total production volume dispatched within the current period. Industrial growth made 4% with all regional enterprises and 5% with major and medium enterprises. Irkutsk-region timber industry fell was 8073,2 thousand cub m of timber (104%), timber exports were 3858,1 thousand cub making 47,8% of the total volume. Round timber fell was 7848,0 thousamd cub m (104%), round timber exports were 3565,2 thousand cub m making 45,4% of the total volume. Commercial timber fell was 8780,1 thousand cub m (106%), commercial timber exports were 3974,0 making 45,3% of the total volume. Saw timber production was 1223,5 thousand cub m (116%), saw-timber exports were 1155,4 thousand cub making 94,4% of the total volume. Commercial pulp production was 941139 tons (104%), 940451 tons were dispatched making 99,9% of the total volume. Volume index of industrial production was 84,8%,price summary index in timber industry was 101,29%, including 100,3% in timber-felling industry, 109,07% in timber-processing industry, 98,83% in pulp and paper industry and 100,91% in timber-chemical industry. Timber, timber-processing and pulp and paper industry enterprises’ electricity consumption reached within 9 months 1900604 thousand kWatt/hour making 107,1%.