July 03, 2017 | 21:45 (GMT+7)
Export value of forest products expected to exceed USD 7.5 billion
The forestry sector aims for at least USD 7.5 billion in export turnover and a 6.6 percent increase in production value in 2017, said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Ha Cong Tuan.
Addressing a conference held by the Vietnam Administration of Forestry on July 3, Tuan said that in the first six months of 2017, the sector basically fulfilled its assigned tasks and targets, which is expected to help increase the forest coverage to 41.45 percent this year.
A wood processing factory of the Da Lat Forestry Product Exploitation and Processing Co. Ltd.
However, the sector still faced several shortcomings. Despite decreasing deforestation, over 1,000 hectares were lost while the alternative afforestation progressed slowly, he noted.
He asked relevant agencies to exert efforts to deal with difficulties in forest production, and drastically implement the target program on sustainable forestry development in 2016-2020 and complete a draft law on forest protection and development.
The official also stressed the need to have specific measures to plant alternative forests.
During January-June, the forest production value grew 5.29 percent. The export turnover of woodwork and forest products reached USD 3.77 billion, up 12.7 percent year-on-year.
Vietnamese wood products have to date been shipped to over 100 countries and territories.
In the period, 40,612 hectares of alternative forests were planted, equivalent to 60 percent of the total area that needs to be covered.
Source: VNA