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3.3. (...) the Republic of the Congo is committed to combating climate change, preserving its environment and promoting sustainable development of its economy. This is reflected, for example, in the obligation to carry out environmental impact studies before implementing any projects in the hydrocarbons, energy, forestry, intensive agriculture, industry and other sectors. Despite the Republic of the Congo's active participation in the Conferences of the Parties (COP 21, COP 22, etc.) and integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the stakes in terms of the environment, climate change and social inclusion are very high, but the resources deployed by the country remain limited.

3.4. With the population growing by 2 to 3% a year, the destruction of forests for agricultural purposes and to meet household energy needs is the main long term threat to forests. Projections show a slight increase in rainfall. In some regions, there is already a drop in agricultural production caused by the disruption of the agricultural calendar, linked to excessive rainfall which causes plant diseases (anthracnose, bacterial blight, etc.), or by drought due to high levels of deforestation. Yields are falling and agricultural production per capita is declining, while the population is growing such that demand for food is set to double over the next three decades. Forests are experiencing a sharp decline in plant biodiversity and especially animal biodiversity as a result of hunting and poaching, as well as the destruction of natural wildlife habitats. As for the Congolese marine and coastal ecosystem, it is subject to coastal erosion and heavy pollution, particularly from the rivers running through the towns and from human and industrial activities in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire.

3.15. The forestry sector is a major national source of revenue, contributing 4% of GDP (forestry and processing) in 2019. A new forestry code was adopted in April 2020, formalizing the transition from the concession system to the production sharing system. Efforts have been made to promote the sustainable management of the country's forest resources, and Congo is one of the most advanced countries in Central Africa in terms of certification. The country introduced a forestry policy (2014/2025) aimed at managing forests sustainably, contributing to the emergence of a green economy and combating climate change. In January 2017, a new National Environmental Action Plan (PNAE) was adopted to incorporate the new environmental concerns arising from the Paris Agreement, the recommendations of COP22 in Marrakesh and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

3.16. Overall, forestry operations focus on a small number of species (around a dozen, including okoume and sapelli, the most widely exploited species, moabi, padouk, sipo, akuminata and wenge) which are recognized for their value on the international market. The country does not earn enough income from its forests due to a low processing rate and limited control of the value chain. The sector is estimated to account for almost 4,000 jobs in forestry and 3,000 jobs in the processing industry, and is the country's second largest employer after the Government. However, the low level of professionalization of wood trades is a major constraint to the development of the sector.

3.25. Italy's ENI has invested EUR 5 billion in Congo LNG. The oil group will operate the site based on a zero emissions policy.

3.43. (...) The the Pointe‑Noire Autonomous Port (PAPN) continues to be expanded and modernized, with an increase in the length of quays, the construction of a fishing port, accompanying measures (port/customs procedures) and environmental management. A mineral ore port is also planned, along with a power station, storage areas, a potash processing plant, a foundry, a refinery (the country's second), a shopping centre, etc.

3.68. (...) The National Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy and Master Plan were drawn up and validated back in 2016. (...)

3.69. As far as tourism is concerned, the Congolese Government is targeting a contribution of 10% of GDP from the high-end ecotourism , business tourism and African tourism segments. The tourism sector has potential in terms of inclusive growth, jobs, added value and the importation of foreign currency. The offering should focus on protected areas and natural sites, cultural tourism and the coast.

[Gabonese authorities launched an ambitious development plan called the Strategic Plan for an Emerging Gabon (PSGE), which aims to turn Gabon into a diversified emerging economy by 2025.]
1.3. The strategy for achieving this objective has three main pillars: industrial Gabon (local processing of raw materials in the country to encourage the export of high value added products), green Gabon (development of the country's impressive ecosystem: 22 million hectares of forest, 13 national parks and over 800 km of coastline), and Gabon in services (making the country a regional reference for financial services, new information technologies, green economy professions, higher education, and health).

3.1. Gabon continues to deal with structural constraints. It is a net importer of food products, exports are concentrated and limited in terms of diversity, the cost of living is high, the economy is not very competitive, and the local market is narrow. To remedy these constraints, the Government's trade policy pursues the following general objectives:
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• to promote the services sector (e.g. financial services, telecommunications, ecological services , business services);
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