The timber industry is set for a major boost with an increased number of wood processing industries. Although this has come after the 2016 ban on timber harvesting, for export among others, full involvement of the private sector has been a blessing. This emerged here yesterday during a meeting convened by the ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism with the private timber dealers. Mr Ben Mfungo Sulus from the Federation of Tanzania Forestry Industries said the public-private partnership has opened a new chapter for the sub-sector. “Many obstacles affecting the timber sector are being overcome or removed entirely,” he told the meeting at an Arusha hotel. Without giving details, Mr Sulus cited 26 barriers which have been sorted out. The ban on timber harvest permits took effect in July 2016. …The benefits include access to engineered wood products from Tanzania to the African Continental Free Trade Area market.