Workshop discusses control of risks in tropical timber imports
Easing the associated risks in the importation of tropical timber would help Vietnam maintain its wood exports while expanding the market, a workshop on April 20 heard.
Hanoi (VNA) - Easing the associated risks in the importation o🍃f tropical timber wouldhelp Vietnam maintain its wood exports while expanding the market, a workshopon April 20 heard.
Do Xuan Lap,President of the Association of Vietnam Timber and Forest Products, said Vietnamimports tropical timber from Africa, certain South American countries, Laos,Cambodia, and Papua New Guinea.
Resolution No102/2020-ND-CP on the legality of timber notes the high risk of such timber, asit is imported from areas where illegal deforestation is common, he said.
It therefore requiresthat importers present paperwork proving the timber’s legality as well asmeasures to ease the risks.
According to ToXuan Phuc from the Forest Trends organisation, reducing risks regarding thelegality of imported tropical timber is significant for Vietnam’s woodindustry.
The work must bedone in both policy and reality, he said, stressing the need to tighten themanagement of the import of high-risk timber in line with the resolution, hesaid.
Dao Duy Tam fromthe General Department of Vietnam Customs said it will coordinate with relevantministries and agencies to prevent trade fraud and facilitate the operation ofbusinesses, especially forestry product exporters.
Lap said revenuefrom timber and wood products grew 20 percent in the first quarter of thisyear, addin🅷g that if the pace is maintained, the target of 14-14.5 billion USDin export value set by the Government for this year is achievable./.
Vietnam will be able to boost its wood exports when the Vietnam-European Union Voluntary Partnership Agreement on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (VPA/FLEGT) takes effect.
Some Vietnamese exports have been investigated for origin fraud and tax evasion, which requires tougher action from the Vietnamese Government to settle the problem and keep its exports growing.
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At the workshop (Photo: VNA) 
