In its Commerce Interchange report, the EIA affirmed that Vietnamese timber companies like Zone 4 Military Technique Cooperation Company, Duc Long, Thanh Thuy, Khanh Thinh, Hoang Phat, and Danang Vinafor, illegally imported wood from Laos to Vietnamese factories.

It is the second report the EIA has published on the illegal timber trade between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association Vice-Chairman and General Secretary Nguyen Ton Quyen said Laotian and Vietnamese customs officers strictly checked timber and followed rules regarding timber export and import activities.

At a press conference held in Hanoi on August 31, Quyen said the Lao government permitted Vietnamese companies to exploit some areas as well as log land that was cleared to construct infrastructure, adding that companies were licensed to export timber which was used for commercial purpose by Lao authorities.

The companies comprehensively fulfilled the financial and tax obligations in accordance with Lao law.

VNS