Export value of forest products expected to exceed US$7.5 billion
The forestry sector aims for at least US$7.5 billion in export turnover and a 6.6% increase in production value in 2017, said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Ha Cong Tuan.
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Addressing a conference held by the Vietnam Administration of Forestry on July 3, Tuan said that in the first six months of 2017, the sector basically fulfilled its assigned tasks and targets, which is expected to help increase the forest coverage to 41.45% this year.
However, the sector still faced several shortcomings. Despite decreasing deforestation, over 1,000 hectares were lost while the alternative afforestation progressed slowly, he noted.
He asked relevant agencies to exert efforts to deal with difficulties in forest production, and drastically implement the target programme on sustainable forestry development in 2016-2020 and complete a draft law on forest protection and development.
The official also stressed the need to have specific measures to plant alternative forests.
During January-June, the forest production value grew 5.29%. The export turnover of woodwork and forest products reached US$3.77 billion, up 12.7% year-on-year.
Vietnamese wood products have to date been shipped to over 100 countries and territories.
In the period, 40,612 hectares of alternative forests were planted, equivalent to 60% of the total area that needs to be covered.
