From March 4th to March 7th, 2024, in Hanoi, the Forest Protection Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and the United States Embassy held a Seminar on “Enhancing the Capacity of Law Enforcement to Combat Illegal Timber Trade between Vietnam and the United States”.
SOURCE CONTROL AND SUPPLY CHAIN OF TIMBER
Speaking at the opening session of the seminar on March 4th, Director of the Forest Protection Department Bui Chinh Nghia stated that the Agreement between the Governments of Vietnam and the United States (Agreement 301) on the control of illegal timber exploitation and trade was signed on October 1st, 2021, with the objective of strengthening source control and supply chain of timber, expanding export markets, improving forest management institutions, and addressing illegal timber exploitation and trade.
“The United States is the largest market for Vietnam’s timber and timber products exports. In 2022, timber and timber products exports to the United States reached 8.67 billion USD, accounting for 55.3% of Vietnam’s total timber and timber products export turnover. In 2023, exports of this commodity to the United States reached 6.98 billion USD, accounting for 52% of Vietnam’s total timber and timber products export turnover.”
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Agreement 301 has demonstrated the strong commitment of the Vietnamese government to the international community in fighting illegal timber exploitation and trade. At the same time, it continues to build and improve the legal system of the forestry sector, ensuring the effective development of the timber processing industry and the forestry sector as a whole, thereby enhancing the reputation of Vietnam’s timber processing and export industry.
According to Bui Chinh Nghia, after two years of implementation, the two sides have organized three technical level meetings and have achieved some results. For example, Vietnam has gradually improved its legal framework by reviewing financial incentives for the timber processing industry, amending legal documents on the business classification system, and adding criteria to identify positive geographical areas to ensure control and prevent Vietnamese timber from entering the supply chain. They have also strengthened the control and inspection of imported timber, and enhanced cooperation with countries exporting timber to control timber imports into Vietnam. “
“After more than 2 years of implementing the agreement, up to this point, Vietnam has proactively implemented many commitments such as reviewing and eliminating financial incentives for the timber processing industry, strengthening control and inspection by customs of imported timber, and enhancing cooperation with countries exporting raw materials to control the origin of timber,” affirmed Nghia.
According to Nghia, this seminar, taking place over 3 days, is a forum for the timber industry, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations to present their views on illegal timber trade and promote legal timber trade between Vietnam and developed economies such as the United States and the European Union. It aims to enhance the capacity of relevant officials in Vietnam, including law enforcement officers, to combat illegal timber trade and promote legal timber trade.
“The seminar is also an opportunity for both sides to express their views in order to enhance the capacity to combat illegal timber trade and promote legal timber trade, towards sustainable development of the timber industry in the future,” emphasized Bui Chinh Nghia.
The issues raised at the seminar and in-depth discussions will help relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals gain a better understanding of the efforts of Vietnam and the United States to strengthen the control of illegal timber exploitation and trade. It will also facilitate the discussion and development of action plans for the future, to gradually promote deeper trade cooperation through the establishment of robust legal frameworks, appropriate risk management, and implementation of preventive measures.
ENHANCING FORESTRY LAW ENFORCEMENT
Melissa Bishop, Acting Charge d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Vietnam, stated that the United States highly values the agreement on the control of illegal timber exploitation and trade, as it is the first trade agreement by the United States aimed at promoting sustainable development and serves as a model for the United States to cooperate with countries in the Indian Ocean-Pacific region and globally.
“This agreement reflects the Vietnamese government’s commitment to enhancing the control of timber sources and supply chains, expanding export markets, improving forest management institutions, and addressing illegal timber exploitation and trade.
Secondary, it will promote Vietnam’s timber products to the U.S. market, encourage the development of domestic timber growing, and enhance the competitiveness of Vietnam’s timber export enterprises,” said Melissa Bishop.
Stressing that the United States will always accompany Vietnam in maintaining legal timber both domestically and internationally, Melissa Bishop expressed: “We believe that ensuring the legality of timber not only guarantees the valuable forest resources but also promotes the prosperity of the economy and strengthens law enforcement. Our commitment to legal timber goes beyond national borders, ensuring that imported goods come from sustainably managed forests with responsibility.”
Melissa also emphasized that transparency, certification, and implementation of preventive measures, as well as cooperation between trading partners, are key to achieving these goals.
“We are committed to deepening trade, technology, production, and law enforcement. In terms of trade, we hope to further promote through the establishment of strong legal frameworks for risk management and effective preventive measures. Today’s event marks the start of a series of seminars designed to promote meaningful exchanges and dialogues between government agencies, associations, and businesses,” affirmed Melissa.
