HCMC – Vietnam and Cambodia signed a memorandum of understanding to bolster cooperation in the forestry sector during the 27th ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry (ASOF 27) meeting, held in Indonesia on July 18 and 19.
The MOU encompasses a range of collaborative efforts, including information exchange, investment promotion in forestry and timber trade, scientific research, training, and capacity building.
Key areas of cooperation outlined in the MOU include forest protection, fire prevention and control, ecosystem restoration, and cross-border biodiversity conservation. Additionally, the agreement addresses critical issues such as illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and the impacts of climate change.
ASOF 27, an annual gathering of Southeast Asian forestry officials, also laid the groundwork for the upcoming 46th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF 46) meeting.
Discussions during ASOF 27 focused on the ASEAN Forestry Cooperation Strategy for 2016-2025, sustainable forest management, regional forest product development, and climate change adaptation.
Participants also reviewed the enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and discussed wildlife law enforcement across the ASEAN region.
