The GFTN-China is a part of global network. We know the environmental standards on international level. We know how to assist member companies to achieve international level of responsible sourcing of timber. Hence we know how to help member companies to equip themselves competitively in the global economy.
For participants involved in forest management:
- Information and technical assistance to improve forest management;
- Information and technical assistance to achieve credible certification;
- Market incentives for progressing toward certification;
- Support with advocacy efforts to secure conducive legislative frameworks and law enforcement.
For participants that are processors, traders and end-users of wood products
- Assistance with the development and implementation of procurement policies;
- Assistance with linking to responsible and credibly certified producers;
- Information on non-traditional or lesser-known wood species and sources;
- Means to encourage existing suppliers to pursue credible and comprehensive certification.
For all participants:
- Association with WWF - a respected conservation organisation;
- Guidance in assessing the value and credibility of different certification systems.
Participation Benefits in Detail
Stable Supply of Responsible Sources of Timber
One of the major constraints for companies which are committed to using responsible timber or certified timber is inadequate sources in their supplying countries. By joining the GFTN-China, we can link together like-minded companies to create incentives for responsible forest products. It will also send out a strong message to the suppliers and encourage them to commit to responsible purchasing. Hence you can enjoy stable supply of responsible sources of timber. With the stable supplies, your company will thence be able to enjoy better quality and competitive prices for the timber you require.
Networking and Marketing Opportunities
As the GFTN-China is a part of the GFTN, there are plenty of networking and marketing opportunities with members of the global network such as business trips to visit potential buyers or suppliers. By developing business contacts with members of the global network, members have the advantages of entering into new markets, finding new buyers and suppliers.
Information Access and Sharing
One of the bottlenecks in finding responsible sources of timber is the difficulties in accessing information. As the GFTN-China will strive to facilitate information flow and sharing, member companies can enjoy the benefits of better access to relevant information on responsible sources of timber and forestry.
Better Corporate Image
Nowadays consumers increasingly expect companies in all industries to behave responsibly. Mainstream institutional investors such as pensions and investment funds are also beginning to factor social and environmental responsibility into their calculations. Companies which are judged by their environmental performance will be favored over those with worse records, and will see the benefit in their share prices. As member companies are committed to purchasing timber from responsible sources, they can use this as a promotional method so as to increase their reputation and build up a better corporate image.
Integration into Global Economy
Globalization is the process of denationalization of markets, politics and legal systems. The consequences of this political and economic globalization lead to the restructure on local economies, human welfare and equally important on environment. If your company wants to take part in the emerging global economy and establishes yourselves in foreign markets, apart from adapting your forest products to the consumers in terms of qualities and prices, your forest products also have to fulfill environmental standards on international level.