This was made clear in a memorandum of understanding signed in Hanoi on September 17 by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) Cao Duc Phat and the head of China’s National Forestry Bureau, Jia Zhibang.
The MoU also deals with deforestation, climate change, controlling forest fires, protecting endangered species, enforcing the forestry law and educating the public on forestry and environment protection.
The accord came in after talks between the two signatories during which the head Chinese delegate expressed his satisfaction at recent developments in this field.
Since 1994, both countries have launched a number of joint projects in the forestry sector and held regular meetings, said Jia.
His view was shared by Minister Phat, who was particularly interested in developing agricultural co-operation, especially in forestry.
He said that forestry plays an important role in the nation’s economy and society.
“Vietnam has taken numerous measures to combat deforestation and improve the eco-system. The Government has disbursed VND 1 trillion, (roughly US$51 million) on forestry projects, which along with contributions from businesses and the public, has helped to increase the nation’s forest coverage by 40%,” said the minister.
He added that forestry development has not only contributed to conserving the eco-system but has also ensured the standard of living of 25 million farmers, or one-third of the nation’s population.
Minister Phat pointed out that the condition of forests in the Mekong and Red Rivers valleys in China would have an impact on Vietnam .
Therefore, if China makes progress in its reforestation, it is not only good for the world’s most populous nation itself, but also good for adjacent countries such as Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, he said.
MARD’s head official expressed his support for China’s initiative to sustain forests in Asia and the Pacific.
He also thanked China for its aforestation project, which is worth US$500,000 to the northern province of Phu Tho.
(VNA, 19/9/2010)