The European Union and Malaysia agreed on Monday to launch talks on a trade agreement that would ensure that timber exported from the Asian country to the bloc is felled legally. The voluntary partnership agreement would be meant to help Malaysia preserve its natural forests. "I am confident that other countries will join Malaysia in this ambitious initiative," EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said in a statement.

Peter Chin, Malaysian minister of plantations, industry and commodities, said: "As a major exporter of timber products, Malaysia believes that the conclusion of a voluntary partnership agreement with the EU will further strengthen the sustainable forest management in Malaysia."
(Planet Ark, 26/09/2006)