10.04.2018
Take part in the next Trade Consultation of the FLEGT Independent Market Monitor (IMM) on 31st May 2018 at CIB (Nantes)
IMM is a multi-year project implemented by ITTO and financed by the European Union (EU) to support implementation of bilateral Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPA) between the EU and timber supplying countries. IMM responds to requests for independent timber market monitoring from VPA partner countries and commitments to impact assessment made in the agreements.
The IMM’s role is to use trade flow analysis and market research to independently assess trade and market impacts of FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) in the EU and partner countries (click here for IMM website, and here for more information on ITTO website)
IMM covers 7 key countries in EU and 2 VPA partner countries. IMM market research in key EU and VPA partner countries was launched in 2015 and expanded under IMM’s 2017 work program. IMM now has a dedicated EU correspondent network covering Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and the UK and providing coverage of countries accounting for 90% of all EU tropical wood product imports from VPA countries.
In VPA partner countries, IMM is currently engaged with own correspondents in Indonesia, as the only FLEGT-licensing country, and Ghana, which is considered to be closest to completing VPA implementation and start licensing.
Since 2018, IMM launched a Trade consultation process which is a chance for timber businesses and other industry stakeholders, such as specifiers, manufacturers and retailers, to hear latest findings from the IMM’s market survey work and monitoring of EU trade flows from FLEGT VPA-engaged supplier countries. The consultation is also an opportunity for delegates to discuss key issues and share their views on the FLEGT initiative with the EC and Government of Indonesia, the first country to start FLEGT licensing its timber exports to the EU, granting them exemption from the EU Timber Regulation.
The first IMM Trade Consultation took place in London on March (click here for more information) and next one is scheduled on the 31st of May 2018, from 11am to 4pm during the Carrefour International du Bois (CIB) in Nantes (France). The French event will feature presentations on Indonesia-EU trade since the start of FLEGT licensing, EU tropical timber market trends, and the results of the IMM’s 2017 EU trade surveys. Delegates will also hear preliminary findings from its EU furniture sector study, and a presentation on Indonesia’s PHPL sustainable forest management standard and its role in the country’s VPA.
Moreover, there will also be an update on VPA processes in African partner countries.
Participation is open to representative of private companies and trade associations only.
Click here to register (free).
