A timber processing factory in Vietnam (Photo: VNA) The event was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister ofAgriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Quoc Tri and Assistant US TradeRepresentative for Environment and Natural Resources Kelly Milton.
The Vietnamese delegation also included representatives ofthe Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Industry andTrade, the Trade Office and the economic division of the Vietnamese Embassy inthe US.
At the meeting, the Vietnamese delegation updated the US sideabout the steps taken by Vietnam to implement the agreement, includingreviewing and eliminating financial incentives for the timber processing sector,enhancing the customs control and examination of imported timber, boostingcooperation with material timber exporting countries to control origins, amendlegal documents to revise the enterprise classification system, supplementcriteria for specifying positive geographical areas exporting timber to Vietnam,and control the seized timber so that it doesn’t enter supply chains.
The delegation emphasised that Vietnam has always made the strongestpossible efforts to realise the agreement and pledges to develop a transparent,sustainable, and responsible forestry sector.
During its reforms and integration into the global economy, Vietnamstays persistent in complying with the principle of sustainable development.It has made strong commitments and joined international efforts to protect theenvironment and the green planet.
At the 26th United Nations Climate ChangeConference (COP26), the Vietnamese Government committed to reducing methaneemissions by 30% by 2030 compared to the level recorded in 2020 and workingtowards net zero emissions by 2050. The forestry sector has an important roleto play in the realisation of these commitments, according to the delegation.
The US side highly valued Vietnam’s serious implementation ofthe commitments in the agreement.
It affirmed that technical assistance will continue to helpVietnam strengthen the capacity of competent agencies in order to protectforests, conserve biodiversity, and contain illegal logging and timber trade./.
VNA
