Five companies from mainland China and three from Hong Kong have become the first official members of the China Forest and Trade Network (CFTN).
Launched in March this year, CFTN is the China chapter of the Global Forest and Trade Network (GFTN), WWF‘s global partnership between leading non-governmental organisations, companies and communities aimed at eliminating illegal logging and improving forest management.
The GFTN creates market conditions to help conserve the forests while providing benefits for the businesses and people who depend on them.
Working alongside 30 other country Forest and Trade networks that represent more than 400 companies, the CFTN gives members access to a global network of similarly minded businesses.
Jin Zhongao, manager of the CFTN, said China is emerging as a dominant force in the global forest trade. It is the world’s second largest importer of industrial timber, pulp and paper.
He added: “It’s crucial that Chinese companies have a network that enables them to demonstrate that they are managing forests sustainably and processing and trading forest products responsibly.”
The companies that have joined CFTN believe they can grow their export trade by becoming more responsible in their purchasing and achieving credible certification.
Peter Cox, quality assurance manager for Hong Kong based Kingfisher Asia Ltd, said: “Our customers in Europe demand certified and legal timber. CFTN can provide the support to our Chinese manufacturers that will help us meet this demand.”
