Vietnam & US strengthen cooperation in combating illegal timber trade

Vietnam has proactively implemented a host of commitments to counter illegal timber trafficking during the two years it has carried out an agreement with the US on fostering a more collaborative approach to combatting the illegal timber trade, according to Director of the Forest Protection Department Bui Chinh Nghia.

Addressing a training workshop that kicked off in Hanoi on March 4 for Vietnamese government officials on countering illegal timber trafficking, Mr. Nghia said Vietnam has reviewed financial incentives for the wood processing sector, enhanced customs supervision and inspection over imported timber, and boosted cooperation with countries exporting wood materials to control wood origin.

Lasting through March 7, the workshop is co-organized by attorneys from the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the US Department of Justice and the Forest Protection Department of Vietnam.

This technical assistance workshop is the first in a series of workshops and discussions with Vietnam’s forestry, industry, and non-governmental stakeholders, held under the US-Vietnam Agreement to foster a more collaborative approach to combatting the illegal timber trade.

The agreement was signed on October 1, 2021, with the aim of strengthening control over the origin of wood products and wood supply chains, expand export markets, improve forest management mechanisms, and deal with illegal wood exploitation and trade.