The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and the Indonesian non-profit environmental organization Telapak released a 24-page report saying that Vietnamese lumber traders have been depending on criminal networks to illegally exploit forests in Laos and use the stolen timber to make furniture. Vietnam’s furniture companies have unanimously rejected the report. Below are opinions of some wood processing enterprises in Binh Dinh.
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Our wood products are always produced under FSC’s standardized procedures. Photo: Workers finish their products. Photo V.H
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PISICO’s General Director Le Van Hong:
Vietnam wood processing industry has obviously developed in recent years and it is a step-by-step development, not an overnight success as stated in the report.
Thanks to its potential, suitable strategies, and skilled workers, the position of Vietnam wood processing industry has been enhanced in the international markets.
Within ten years, Vietnam’s furniture companies have produced many high competitive products. The report’s inaccuracies may cause difficulties for our industry.
The report released by EIA and Telapak is groundless. The information, for example, was not clear. Moreover, it also proved the lack of understanding of Vietnam wood processing industry. Our production always follows the international standards, including CoC-FSC system.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an international organization that promotes the sustainable management of the world’s forests, also observes our operation, making our products be highly appreciated in the world.
We should be against the report to protect our prestige. Synchronously, relevant bodies and agencies need to act to reject the information in the report.
Khai Vy – Duyen Hai Group’s Chairman of Board of Directors, Doan Van Trang:
The accusations of EIA and Telapak have created the negative image of Vietnam wood processing industry. We don’t, however, worry so much about it because the report was released by an unrecognized organisation; meanwhile, we are an FSC member.
We imported 95 percent of timber from South Africa and Uruguay. All are certificated by FSC. Our partners are big groups; therefore, their judgments are not based on the information provided in such a report.
We also dispatched documents to Vietnam Wood Products Association and FSC to oppose the report.
Dong Thi Anh, Director of Anh Viet Co., Ltd:
Anh Viet Co., Ltd is a member of HCM City Handicraft and Wood Industry Association (HAWA). We all agreed that the report released by EIA and Telapak is inaccurate. Vietnam wood processing industry, including Binh Dinh, has positively developed. Our products are more and more competitive, meeting demands all over the world.
Currently, Vietnam wood processing industry is ranking the fourth in the world and second in South East Asia. This is really a challenge for other furniture companies in the region. I think, therefore, that they will take advantage of the report.
Vietnam imported about 90 percent of timber from countries such as New Zealand, America and Canada. Also, all Vietnamese furniture export companies must obtain an FSC certificate, which proved that they do not meddle with illegal logging.
I think that Vietnam Wood Product Processing Association must be against the accusations and asked FSC to deal with this.
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