NKOK, GABON - An industrial lumber zone has been established by the West African state of Gabon near Libreville in a joint venture with Olam International. Some $200 million will be invested in roads and other infrastructure such as water and power, to open access to vast forest lands valuable for wood processing industries surrounding the area.

The move follows an initial foray last year when Olam International, a leading global integrated supply chain manager and processor of agricultural products and food ingredients, entered into a strategic partnership agreement with the government of Gabon to jointly develop a Special Economic Zone at Nkok for timber processing in Gabon. Olam invested $12 million at that point. Olam owns 400,000 hectares of forestry concessions for tropical hardwoods in Gabon.