The PEFC Forestry Forum 2025 was held from 5–10 May 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City, bringing together over 180 participants representing national forest certification systems from 50 countries, international organizations, government authorities, timber associations, and businesses across the forestry value chain. The forum was co-organized by PEFC International, the Vietnam Academy of Forest Science (VAFS), and the Vietnam Forest Certification Office (VFCO). Mr. Nguyen Van Dien, Deputy Director General of Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, attended and delivered the opening remarks.
The PEFC Forestry Forum 2025 took place in the context of the global forestry sector facing profound impacts from emerging environmental policies such as the Green Deal, the Global Biodiversity Framework, and especially the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). In addition, international trade competition is intensifying, and several markets have introduced specific requirements, including traceability of timber origin and greenhouse gas emissions accounting. These pressing issues were thoroughly discussed and shared by leading experts and organizations (ITTO, FAO), along with corporations and enterprises from both domestic and international markets engaged in the supply and processing of timber and wood-based products, including furniture and biomass energy.
The discussions emphasized the critical importance of sustainable forest management to ensure sustainability in economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Accordingly, several initiatives and proposals were put forward, including the application of advanced technologies in forest governance, timber traceability systems, and enhanced transparency in forest-related information.
Vietnam is currently one of the leading countries in the export of wooden furniture and biomass energy. Its forestry policies are firmly aligned with the overarching goal of sustainable forest management through the implementation of the Vietnam Forest Certification Scheme (VFCS). The operation of VFCS has been making significant contributions to Vietnam’s national goals in SFM, as well as in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The PEFC Forestry Forum 2025 concluded successfully. The event not only reaffirmed Vietnam’s strong commitment to sustainable forest development but also opened new avenues for international cooperation, thereby enhancing the global presence of Vietnam’s timber industry and promoting the country’s image on the international stage.
VFCO
