Communication for Sustainable Development

Indonesia, EU sign pact to end exports of illegal timber

 Indonesia and the European Union signed an agreement on Wednesday aimed at ensuring the sustainability of timber exports and stopping illegal logging in Southeast Asia's largest economy.

The voluntary agreement signed by Zulkifli Hasan, Indonesia's minister of forestry and Karel De Gucht, EU trade commissioner, will track and monitor timber exports, to ensure they meet Indonesian laws and sustainably standards.

The EU is a key market for Indonesian forest products, with timber and paper exports worth $1.2 billion each year.

Solutions for Small Business