To stop the "mining" of forests in the Russian Far East (RFE) for raw logs, USAID's RFE Program helped organize 40 downstream forest product processors into trade associations. These associations have begun lobbying for investment incentives. They also support loan proposals and link with U.S. equipment suppliers and markets. This approach boosts the added value of finished wood products and increases employment in the RFE instead of losing both to foreign markets. A number of deals with U.S. firms have been made and are expected to continue.