Vietnam, US step up implementing deal on illegal logging, timber trade
Vietnam and the US held a meeting of the Timber Working Group, set up to carry out the two Governments’ Agreement on Illegal Logging and Timber Trade, in Washington DC on August 22 - 23.
A timber processing factory in Vietnam (Photo: VNA)
Washington DC (VNA) –Vietnam and the US held a meeting of the Timber Working Group, setup to carry out the two Governments’ Agreement on Illegal Logging and TimberTrade, in Washington DC on August 22 - 23.
The event was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister ofAgriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Quoc Tri and Assistant US TradeRepresentative for Environment and Natural Resources Kelly Milton.
The Vietnamese delegation also included representatives ofthe Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Industry andTrade, the Trade Office and the economic division of the Vietnamese Embassy inthe US.
At the meeting, the Vietnamese delegation updated the US sideabout the steps taken by Vietnam to implement the agreement, includingreviewing and eliminating financial incentives for the timber processing sector,enhancing the customs control and examination of imported timber, boostingcooperation with material timber exporting countries to control origins, amendlegal documents to revise the enterprise classification system, supplementcriteria for specifying positive geographical areas exporting timber to Vietnam,and control the seized timber so that it doesn’t enter supply chains.
The delegation emphasised that Vietnam has always made the strongestpossible efforts to realise the agreement and pledges to develop a transparent,sustainable, and responsible forestry sector.
During its reforms and integration into the global economy, Vietnamstays persistent in complying with the principle of sustainable development.It has made strong commitments and joined international efforts to protect theenvironment and the green planet.
At the 26th United Nations Climate ChangeConference (COP26), the Vietnamese Government committed to reducing methaneemissions by 30% by 2030 compared to the level recorded in 2020 and workingtowards net zero emissions by 2050. The forestry sector has an important roleto play in the realisation of these commitments, according to the delegation.
The US side highly valued Vietnam’s serious implementation ofthe commitments in the agreement.
It affirmed that technical assistance will continue to helpVietnam strengthen the capacity of competent agencies in order to protectforests, conserve biodiversity, and contain illegal logging and timber trade./.
The Republic of Korea (RoK) and Japan have become the biggest importers of Vietnamese wood pellets, accounting for over 95% of Vietnam’s total export of this product, reported the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association.
The international wood material, woodworking machinery fair –BIFA WOOD Vietnam 2023 opened in the southern province of Binh Duong on August 9 with nearly 800 booths from 100 leading enterprises in the industry both at home and abroad.
The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has issued its final determination that certain imported products from Vietnam do not evade the anti-dumping and countervailing duties that the US is applying to similar items from Taiwan due to the fact that these products do not use hot-rolled steel (HRS) sourced from Taiwan (China), announced the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam.
The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has issued a notice initiating a scope review investigation on steel wheels imported from Vietnam, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT)’s Trade Remedies Authority.
The export value of wood and wood products was estimated at nearly 1.1 billion USD in July, bringing the total export earnings of the industry in the first seven months of this year to 7.1 billion USD, down 25% year on year, according to data of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
According to Mastercard data, Vietnam has recorded a remarkable 92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in contactless transaction volume from Q4 2022 to Q4 2024.
Tuan expressed his confidence that LH, with its expertise and experience, would swiftly implement the urban area project, contributing to a modern urban landscape for the province.
With its strategic location, abundant workforce, and modern infrastructure, Vietnam holds significant potential to become a leading centre for power and electronics production in the region and the world.
The renewable energy workforce training and development centre, invested by Germany's GEO Group, is expected to be a cornerstone in shaping Binh Dinh as a renewable energy and innovation hub in central Vietnam, meeting the growing demand for skilled technical personnel in offshore wind, solar farms, and green hydrogen projects.
A notable trend is the shift toward satellite regions. With land scarcity and soaring prices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, investors are eyeing provinces like Hung Yen, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong, which are benefiting from improved technical infrastructure and transport connectivity.
To further strengthen private-sector innovation, Bac Ninh plans to accelerate administrative reforms, build a digital, service-oriented government, and develop an integrated innovation ecosystem that connects businesses with domestic and international institutions, universities, and experts.
The participation of H&M, one of the world's largest fashion corporations, in Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City in early September is considered a special highlight, opening up many cooperation opportunities for Vietnamese businesses in the fashion, textiles and sustainable supply chains.
This latest order builds on a previous agreement signed at the Singapore Airshow last year for 40 engines, bringing the total number of Trent 7000 engines ordered by the airline to 80.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien acknowledged that despite concerted efforts by ministries and local authorities in combating fake and substandard goods, the situation remains highly complicated, attributing the persistent challenges to high profits luring numerous participants, increasingly sophisticated violations, limited resources within enforcement agencies.
The group also placed among the Top 5 energy companies in Southeast Asia and secured the top spot among the largest Vietnamese enterprises featured on the list.
The zone will cover 1,881 ha, comprising functional areas for production, logistics, trade and services, digital technology industry, information technology, and innovation.
Dung underlined several key objectives, including a comprehensive review of the legal framework governing SOEs, and called for updates that reflect international standards and support modern, transparent governance.
While the US market has become more difficult to access due to new tax policies, Australia could play the role of a trade cushion, helping to reduce shocks and maintain export momentum for Vietnam's shrimp industry.
Vietnam Cycle Expo 2025 will coincide with the Vietnam Sport Show 2025, an international exhibition on sports and outdoor entertainment, expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors in the three-day event.
Despite global economic uncertainties, Binh Duong has maintained strong momentum in both exports and industrial production during the first half of 2025.
A timber processing factory in Vietnam (Photo: VNA) 
