The deal aims to stop all illegal logging and prevent contrabandIndonesian timber products from entering the EU market, according toEuropean Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potocnik.
It also contributes to environmental protection and builds customertrust in the Southeast Asian nation’s timber products, he said.
The EU is negotiating with Laos , Malaysia , Thailand and Vietnam to reach a similar pact.
Indonesia is the leading Asian timber exporter to the EU and thefirst nation in the region to strike such an agreement.
It is also home to the world’s third largest expanse of rainforest.-VNA