The Timber Producers Association of Zambia notes that the continued bans on harvesting and exporting of timber products is hampering economic development.

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Jean Kapata said Zambia has placed a total ban on exportation of all forms of timber logs in a bid to promote timber processing and manufacturing in the country.

But Association Vice President Charles Masange tells Money FM News that the association is particularly concerned that despite having a ban in place, some individuals are smuggling Mukula out of the country.

Mr. Masange says it is in public domain that there are a lot of containers in China loaded with Mukula logs despite Zambia placing a ban on the export of such species.

He says the solution is not to impose a ban but rather manage the resources well.

Mr. Masange says if well managed, Zambia can earn foreign exchange from the importation of timber producers.