Tennessee Strengthens International Partnerships to Advance Forest Products Industry

Tennessee’s Wood Products Industry Strengthens International Relationships through Outbound Trade Mission to Vietnam

Consultants from Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Business Development and Forestry Divisions recently embarked on a trade mission to Vietnam, aiming to promote the export of Tennessee hardwoods, establish connections with Vietnamese trade associations and manufacturers, and raise awareness about the state’s forest products available for international export. The mission was supported by agricultural trade expert Dr. Andrew Muhammad from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and Workforce Development Coordinator Larry Pitts of the Tennessee Forestry Association.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The outbound trade mission to Vietnam aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – By promoting exports and establishing connections with Vietnamese partners, Tennessee’s wood products industry contributes to economic growth and creates employment opportunities.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The mission aims to encourage the sustainable use of forest resources by promoting the export of Tennessee hardwoods.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Through collaboration with Vietnamese trade associations and manufacturers, Tennessee strengthens international partnerships and fosters cooperation towards achieving the SDGs.

Trade Mission Highlights

During the 4-day mission, the group engaged in various activities:

• Met with representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City, the Binh Duong Furniture Association, and Vietnamese forest products importers.
• Toured wood products manufacturers, lumber businesses with log import yards, sawmills and dry kiln facilities, and indoor and outdoor showrooms.

These activities provided valuable insights into the Vietnamese wood products industry and allowed the group to showcase the quality and versatility of Tennessee hardwoods, which are one of the largest export commodities in the state. Tennessee ranks 3rd in the nation for hardwood lumber production.

Promoting Sustainable Forest Markets

State Forester David Arnold emphasized the importance of diverse, competitive, and sustainable forest markets in encouraging landowners to actively manage their woods. Tennessee has abundant wood resources to supply export markets, presenting ample opportunities for mills to get involved.

Continued Efforts to Promote International Exports

The recent trade mission to Vietnam is part of TDA’s ongoing initiatives to support agricultural and forest products producers and supply chains. In 2019, TDA successfully completed an outbound trade mission to Vietnam and plans to host Vietnamese agriculture officials later this year, further strengthening bilateral trade relations.

Photo at the My Duc Wood Company in Vietnam:

• Tim Phelps – Communications and Outreach Leader, TDA Forestry Division
• Dr. Andrew Muhammad – Agricultural Trade Economist Professor, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
• Andy Holt – Assistant Commissioner, TDA Business Development Division
• Le Thi Bich Canh – Founder and CEO, My Duc Wood Company, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• David Neumann – Forestry Consultant, TDA Business Development Division
• Larry Pitts – Workforce Development Coordinator, Tennessee Forestry Association

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The issues highlighted in the article are related to promoting exports of Tennessee hardwoods, establishing connections with Vietnamese trade associations and manufacturers, and broadening the awareness of Tennessee’s forest products available for international export. These issues are connected to SDG 8, which focuses on decent work and economic growth, SDG 12, which focuses on responsible consumption and production, and SDG 15, which focuses on life on land.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation
• Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
• Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are target 8.3, which focuses on promoting development-oriented policies that support job creation and innovation, target 12.2, which focuses on sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, and target 15.2, which focuses on promoting sustainable forest management and halting deforestation.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

The article does not provide specific information about indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, indicators such as the number of new trade connections established, the volume of Tennessee hardwoods exported to Vietnam, or the percentage increase in sustainable forest management practices could be potential indicators to measure progress towards these targets.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: tn.gov

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