The International Tropical Timber Organization should work closely with China and other ITTO members to promote the stable, legal and sustainable supply of tropical timber in China and worldwide, according to ITTO’s Trade Advisory Group (TAG).

In a statement issued at the conclusion of the 2017 Annual Market Discussion, held today in Lima, Peru as part of the 53rd Session of the International Tropical Timber Council, the TAG noted “a growing desire in China” to develop green timber supply chains.

The statement, which was presented by TAG co-chair Barney Chan, referred to a roundtable dialogue in September 2017 in Shanghai between 24 large timber companies based in China and ITTO’s top management, in which Chinese manufacturers expressed a desire to use legal materials in their products.

According to the TAG statement, all participants at the roundtable dialogue agreed that the aim should be to create a “green supply-chain mechanism” to promote the stable, legal and sustainable supply of tropical timber, bringing together all stakeholders.

ITTO Executive Director Gerhard Dieterle had earlier referred to the Shanghai roundtable and the proposed green supply-chain mechanism in his speech to the Council on Monday.

“We regard this as a significant initiative consistent with the core mandate of ITTO,” he said.

Responding to the TAG statement today, a delegate from the Government of China indicated her country’s support for a green supply-chain mechanism and requested technical assistance from ITTO in its development.

TAG was established to provide inputs to ITTO's policy and project work. It is open to anyone with an interest in the tropical timber trade, including representatives of tropical forest industries, timber exporters and importers, timber trade and industry consultants, and trade and industry associations.

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