Timber traders have met high-ranking representatives of China’s State Forestry Administration for the first time.
The meeting held in London on Monday involved a number of plywood importing members of The Timber Trade Federation (TTF), including International Plywood, Lathams, MLM, Altripan, Flatau Dick and Tigerwood.
Chaired by the TTF head of sustainability Rachel Butler, the meeting discussed environmental and technical issues in terms of quality and import control.
“They [the Chinese] recognised the issues and there are some good signs there,” said Ms Butler. “We are the biggest European importing country and they are very keen.”
The meeting, organised by the TTF and ProForest, concluded with an agreement to establish a platform for exchanging information.
“They have offered to facilitate a meeting with local and regional timber trade organisations in Beijing around September,” said Ms Butler. “It was a positive meeting. We’ve had a junior delegation visit before but this was senior in terms of decision-making.”
