President launches Tree Planting Festival in Tuyen Quang

The launching ceremony was held in Hoang Khai commune, Yen Son district, northern Tuyen Quang province which has worked hard to grow and protect forests over the past years. 

Last year, Vietnam planted 246,500 hectares of forest and involved people in management of about 6.7 million hectares of forest, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat said at the event.

The number of violations of the Law on Forest Protection and Development was reduced by 15% and losses caused by deforestation fell 22% from 2014, Phat noted. 

Meanwhile, exports of forestry products hit over US$7.2 billion in 2015, a year-on-year increase of 10.2%, the minister added. 

The president called on local authority and residents to join hands in the tree planting campaign and have a better awareness of forest protection and deforestation prevention. 

Later the day, President Sang visited and offered incense at the Tan Trao national historical site in Son Duong district.