Additional 40,720 hectares of forest planted in northern region

• Vietnam’s forest coverage ratio reaches over 41%: MARD
• Agro-forestry-fishery exports exceed US$3 billion in January
• Nearly US$8 billion of forestry products exported in 2017

The northern localities have so far this year planted 40,720 hectares of forest.

Rapid tree planting has been seen in the north central region with 12,051 hectares, up 26.3% and the Red Delta region with 6,635 hectares, down 8.7%. 

Meanwhile, afforestation in the northern midland and mountainous region experienced a year-on-year drop of 17% with 22,034 hectares of trees.

The localities continue to plant and take care of their forests so that they will bring high economic efficiency.

Vietnam aims to increase the nationwide forest coverage to 42%, equivalent to 14.4 million hectares, by 2020, according to the target programme on sustainable forest development during 2016-2020 recently approved by the Prime Minister.

The country expects to achieve yearly forestry production growth rate of 5.5%-6% and have artificial forests produce 20 cubic metres per hectare per year. Exports of woodwork and forestry products are forecast to fetch US$8-US$8.5 billion.

Under the programme, 15% of degrading forests, especially special-use forests, will be recovered and preserved by 2020. 

Additional 100,000 hectares of special-use forests will be planted while the number of rare species which are on the brink of extinction will be increased.