Malaesya is aiming torwards completing a voluntary bilateral agreement with the European Union, during this year. It would guarantee that the wood exported by Malaesya is provided by legal sources.
Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fak Kui declared that this agreement would ensure the sustainability and legality of the wood production, while improving the perception on Malaesya’s tropical lumber. “We are the first country which has begun such negociations with the EU and, currently, we are in an advanced stage in comparisson to other manufacturing countries, which have also tried to sign such an angreement”, said the Minister, right after the establishment of the “National Policy for the Wood Industry”.
Datuk Peter Chin Fak Kui added that negociations between Indonezia and the European Union have been suspended.
Disscutions between Malaesya and the EU have begun in late 2007, and so far have included 6 meetings.
The European Comission wishes to take initiative, developing its own action policy. The aim of this action is to eliminate imports of wood provided from illegal sources to the EU, and supporting a lasting forestry management.
“We want our products to rely on a reliable market, in the future, because illegal deforestations have always been associated with countries like Malaesya, Indonezia, Africa or Brazil”, declared Datuk Peter Chin Fak Kui. “If this agreement is signed, it would make id possible for Malaesyan lumber to enter the European market without cerfications”.
Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com |
