Large-scale harvesting, transport and road operations
Before the establishment of Musen Agriculture and Forestry Sole Co., Ltd., Chen Jianguo managed substantial forestry operations associated with Mekong Timber Plantations under the Hui Ying name.
Following a contractor selection process in 2019, Hui Ying commenced major contracted harvesting and timber transport operations for MTP in 2020. The work covered eucalyptus and acacia harvesting, log preparation, loading and transport, together with the road access and infrastructure required to support the harvesting programme.
In addition to this contracted work, Chen also managed separate commercial operations through Hui Ying involving the purchase of standing timber from MTP. Hui Ying took responsibility for harvesting and transporting this timber for onward sale to customers, principally Sun Paper and other buyers.
Main contracted operations
Client
Mekong Timber Plantations
Contracting company
Hui Ying
Operational management
Chen Jianguo
Period
2020–2025
Annual harvesting and transport volume
Up to approximately 150,000 GMT
Peak workforce
Up to approximately 400 people
Operational teams
Approximately 7
Main species
Eucalyptus and acacia
Standing-timber operations
In addition to the main harvesting and transport contract, Chen managed separate commercial timber operations involving the purchase of standing timber from MTP for harvesting and onward sale. The eucalyptus operations were undertaken through Hui Ying, while the acacia operation was undertaken through Oudomxay Sole Co., Ltd.
Eucalyptus
Approximately 150,000 GMT
Acacia
Approximately 20,000 GMT
Under these arrangements, the standing timber was purchased and the subsequent harvesting and transport to customers were managed by Chen through the respective operating companies.
Scope of work
Harvesting
Manual felling and bucking of eucalyptus and acacia using chainsaws.
Log handling and transport
In-field log handling and stacking, excavator loading, and coordination of timber transport to MTP facilities and other delivery destinations according to the particular operation.
Roads and access
Preparation and maintenance of harvesting access roads, construction of major access routes where required, and repair of MTP and district roads following timber transport.
Standing-timber operations
Management of separate commercial operations involving the purchase of standing eucalyptus and acacia, followed by harvesting, log handling and transport for onward sale to customers. The eucalyptus operations were undertaken through Hui Ying and the acacia operation through Oudomxay Sole Co., Ltd.
Operating at scale
The main MTP harvesting and transport operation was concentrated primarily within the dry-season harvesting period, generally from November to May. Annual harvesting and transport volumes reached approximately 150,000 GMT, requiring the coordination of multiple harvesting teams, field crews, loading equipment and timber transport across a large operating area.
At peak activity, the operation employed up to approximately 400 people across around seven field teams. Harvesting was carried out manually using chainsaws for felling and bucking, with field crews handling and stacking logs and excavators used for loading onto timber trucks.
Transport and remote operations
Harvesting and transport operations extended across a wide area of central Laos and included remote locations where access and logistics presented significant operational challenges. Road access had to be established and maintained to allow harvesting equipment and timber trucks to reach individual compartments.
In some areas, timber transport required loaded trucks to cross a major river using a dedicated third-party ferry service. These movements formed part of the wider transport operation and were carried out under specific safety requirements.
Working within client requirements
Hui Ying’s operations for MTP were carried out within MTP’s established policies, procedures and operational controls. Chen and the field teams were required to work in accordance with client requirements covering health and safety, PPE, labour and human rights, child labour, environmental protection and operational conduct.
MTP operated an FSC-certified forest management system and applied relevant requirements from that system to contractor operations. Hui Ying was required to comply with MTP’s applicable requirements when carrying out work for MTP. This did not constitute FSC certification of Hui Ying.
Village consultation
Before harvesting operations could begin within a village boundary, consultation with the affected village was required in accordance with MTP procedures. Chen was responsible for participating in and managing these consultations as part of the preparation for operations.
Project gallery
Selected photographs from the harvesting, transport, road and field operations associated with MTP and managed by Chen Jianguo under the Hui Ying name.
