China's forestry authority said Thursday that the forest sector is expected to be worth 1.2 trillion yuan (US$150 billion) in 2010.

The sector has been developing at a double-digit speed annually over the past six years and hit 726.9 billion yuan in value in 2005, said an official with the State Forestry Administration at the 2006 China International Forestry Exposition.

He praised the growth in traditional forestry products such as timber and furniture and the fast expansion of non-wood sectors such as flower growing.

Development of emerging bio-based energy, and wild life reproduction show signs of booming, he said.

As China lowered its tariff on forestry imports, foreign companies have been striving to tap the huge market. More than 300 firms from ten countries showcased their products at the exposition.

(Xinhua News Agency November 10, 2006)