Myanmar, China to cooperate for curbing illegal timber production

Myanmar and China will effectively cooperate in addressing the issue of illegal timber production, Myanmar Environmental Conservation and Forest Minister U Win Tun told a consultation workshop on Myanmar-China Timber Trade Stakeholders in Nay Pyi Taw Thursday.

While taking measures in curbing illegal timber production, enhancement of legal trade on wood and wood products as well as long-term development with the sector should also be addressed, said U Win Tun.

Fu Gui, an official with the State Forestry Administration of China, also stressed the need for deepened cooperation than ever in getting rid of illegal timber production.

U Win Tun warned that the illegal timber trade in Myanmar-China border area could tarnish the image of the two countries, saying that such undertaking could degenerate forest and reduce bio- diversity and adding that the climate change could also bring bad effect on the regional people socio-economically.

The two-day workshop is also attended by a representative delegation from the European Union.

On the second day of the workshop, the participants are set to make a study trip to Myanmar's Phoekyar Elephant Camp.

The workshop is aimed at exchanging experiences by the two countries' stakeholders on legal timber trade, illegal timber trade in border areas and efforts in addressing the related issues and its challenges. Endi