The agreement to appoint a third party was made during week-long talks between a European Commission delegation and the Malaysian government under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) umbrella.

The commission is working on a voluntary partnership agreement with Malaysia, under which Malaysian timber products could be guaranteed access to the EU. Malaysia is the first country to enter FLEGT talks with the EU.

Malaysian plantation industries and commodities minister Peter Chin said Malaysian timber products could command a price premium as a result of a FLEGT voluntary partnership agreement.

The 11-strong EC delegation was led by Soledad Blanco, director of international affairs at the EC’s directorate general for environment.

Further talks are planned to be held.