Accordingly, they will work together to sustainably manage the forests, mitigate and respond to climate change, utilize forest resources, and enhance the forest biodiversity preservation work. Besides, they will research and develop new technologies in the area, and ensure the legality and responsibility of wood and wood products.
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Vietnam and Japan sign an MoU on enhancing forest management collaboration. |
At the signing ceremony, Bao spoke highly of Japan’s cooperation with and assistance to Vietnam in the area over the past years, adding Japan has helped Vietnam build and carry out important strategies, policies, and projects such as completion of the legal system, particularly the Law on Forestry in 2017 and related decrees and circulars.
With non-refundable technical support programs, ODA projects, and concessional loan program, Japan has assisted Vietnam to enhance sustainable forest management, improve local livelihoods, preserve biodiversity, and respond to climate change.
He went on to say that most of the programs have been effectively implemented, contributing to the success of the forestry sector, adding Japan is one of the five largest importers of Vietnamese wood products with a value of USD 1.5-2 billion each year.
Bao suggested the two sides bolster cooperation to capitalize on their forestry potential and strengths, making contribution to the development of the forestry sector in each nation.
Director General of the Japanese Forestry Agency Aoyama Toyohisa recommended the two countries build plans to bolster cooperation in an effective and practical manner as defined in the MoU.
The two sides should coordinate to build and recognize each other’s wood legality to promote the trade of wood responsibly, create favorable conditions for Japanese experts to come and assist Vietnam more in the area, effectively roll out the Joint Crediting Mechanism, and develop and implement cooperative projects related to the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), he added.
Bao attended a talk with the Japan BioPlastics Association, had a meeting with the Ministry of Economics, Trade and Industry, and participated in the 4th Asian bioplastics conference. At the events, the Vietnamese side shared information on the country’s wood processing and trade as well as regulations on the legality of wood.
Source: VNA