L-R: Prof. Labode Popoola, Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University, Nigeria; André de Boer, European Timber Trade Federation; Jorge Malleux, Peru and Barney Chan, Trade Advisory Group
Prof. Popoola, Professor of Forest Economics/Sustainable Development, who is also the President of West African Research & Innovation Management Association (WARIMA) and President of Forestry Association of Nigeria was an expert panel on the "Market Discussions" representing Africa.
At the meeting on the 9th November 2016, Prof. Popoola made a presentation on "Free Trade Agreements and Timber Trade in West Africa and the rest of the world". Other speakers at the Annual Market Discussion were Enrique Téllez Pacheco, President, Cámara Nacional de la Industria Maderera, Mexico; Jirawat Tangkijngamwong, Chairman, Thai Timber Association Director of Deesawat Industries Co. Ltd and Deesawat Design Co., Ltd.; André de Boer, Secretary General, European Timber Trade Federation, Netherland; Joe O'Donnell, Senior Manager for Government and Public Affairs, IWPA, USA; and Erik Luis Fischer Llanos, President, Comité Forestal de ADEX, Asociación de Exportadores, Peru.
Bilateral and regional free-trade agreements (FTAs) have proliferated in recent years as efforts to secure a global deal on trade liberalisation through the World Trade Organization (WTO) have stalled. However, the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) which is the world’s premier organization on tropical forestry and trade must continue to function, according to the Trade Advisory Group.
In a statement issued at the conclusion of the 2016 Annual Market Discussion, held in Yokohama on 9th November 2016 as part of the 52nd Session of the International Tropical Timber Council, the Trade Advisory Group urged members and stakeholders to “close ranks and rebuild the organization”. Trade Advisory Group (TAG) was established to provide inputs to ITTO's policy and project work. It is open to anyone with an interest in the tropical timber trade, including representatives of tropical forest industries, timber exporters and importers, timber trade and industry consultants, and trade and industry associations.