The Central African Republic has more than 22 million hectares of forests, covering 36% of the national territory. It represents a major economic asset, a green lung of Central Africa and a promise for the future for local communities. The forestry sector accounts for 13% of the country's exports and employs more than 4000 thousand people. However, the farm still faces structural, environmental and institutional limitations:

• Illegal logging: Illegal activities, including illegal logging and artisanal logging without respect for contracts, are widespread and exacerbate deforestation and forest degradation.

• Conflict and instability: Political instability and armed conflict encourage illegal logging and timber trafficking, as extremist groups and illicit economies thrive under these conditions.

• Governance and corruption : The sector is often plagued by deep corruption in political institutions and social conflicts. The benefits of taxes are often meagre in relation to the area exploited.

The main importing countries of logs and timber products from the Central African Republic are China, France and Vietnam.

These countries are among the most important trading partners for CAR timber exports, with the forestry sector accounting for a significant share (about 13%) of the country’s total exports. Other export trading partners include Belgium, Congo and Japan.