New Zealand’s forest land is emerging as a key strategic target for Asian nations looking to secure timber supplies ahead of a global shortfall.

Industry sources who did not wish to be named have told Country 99TV that several large deals for New Zealand forest land are currently on the table, involving Asian nations India and China.

PF Olsen Chief Executive Peter Clark says the deals are all about securing timber supply for the Asian giants, as volatility in world spot market prices, and supply issues, meant demand was becoming hard to manage.

"Whenever nations industrialise or develop their infrastructure, housing and roads, bridges et cetera - which is happening now in Asia, particularly India and China, then a lot of timber gets used.

"New Zealand is just one country with a large, sustainable, resource and it’s about capitalising on that for the future."

                                                                                               Peter Clark

The increasing interest in forest land follows on from a large deal in Northland involving Hong Kong Investment company Greenheart Group.