The initiative is backed by the European Timber Trade Federation (ETTF), of which the UK Timber Trade Federation is a member, and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO).
The GTF was first unveiled at a special event during the Global Wood Mart in Malaysia last autumn.
ETTF secretary-general André de Boer said the aim was to create a "conduit for information exchange and discussion" on key industry issues. It could also encourage greater communication and joint action in the sector worldwide and promote greater co-ordination in national and international legislation.
Initial proposals are for the GTF to organise meetings and other industry events and set up an information and discussion hub using online and other media.
It could, said Mr Boer, lead to improved cohesion across the sector and a stronger industry overall.
"For instance, it could help ensure new rules in importing regions and countries, such as anti-illegal timber legislation, are applied uniformly and fairly, to avoid trade flow disruption."
Jukka Tissari, UNFAO forestry officer, trade and marketing, said the GTF could also lead to "deeper collaboration in fostering responsible timber trading".
The two-day launch event will cover a range of issues, including marketing, timber’s place in green building codes, and maintaining forest cover. But the main focus of the 80 delegates will be establishing an initial ‘roadmap’ for the initiative.
