Delegates from around the world gathered in southern China for the 2024 World Forestry Industry Conference, where they expressed a strong need for increased global collaboration and innovation to advance the forestry sector and encourage sustainable growth. The conference, which took place in Nanning, the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, welcomed nearly 1,100 companies for a two-day event focused on showcasing new technologies and engaging in discussions about sustainable forestry practices.

Guan Zhiou, who leads China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration, emphasized the vital role that the forestry sector plays in supporting green development and enhancing the economy. He reiterated China's commitment to large-scale land greening efforts, aimed at creating a sustainable future. According to official figures, China has the largest area globally for planted forests at 87.6 million hectares and boasts 263.7 million hectares of grasslands. The forestry and grassland sector generated an impressive total output value of 9.28 trillion yuan ($1.28 trillion) last year, positively impacting over 100 million farming households and providing jobs for more than 60 million workers while also contributing significantly to rural revitalization initiatives.

Charlotte Austin, New Zealand's vice-minister for primary industries, spoke about the robust forestry trade connection between New Zealand and China, noting that China imports over 90 percent of New Zealand's softwood log exports. She pointed out that the forestry trade and collaboration yield direct economic benefits, enhancing the prosperity of both nations. Austin also highlighted potential growth opportunities for New Zealand's pine wood products in China's construction industry.

Mongolia's presidential adviser, Bayarsaikhan Javkhlan, acknowledged China's support for green development projects, particularly in relation to the bilateral "Billion Trees" initiative launched in 2021 at the United Nations General Assembly. This initiative includes the development of the Mongolia-China Cooperation Center for Combating Desertification, which is expected to play a significant role in environmental conservation and forest restoration efforts in the area.

During the conference, participants signed 35 agreements totaling 19.4 billion yuan ($2.68 billion), emphasizing innovation and high-quality growth in the forestry industry. Guan praised Guangxi for its abundance of forest resources, stating it has the largest area of planted forests in China. Last year, Guangxi's forestry and grass industry contributed 956.9 billion yuan ($132.6 billion) to the national economy, with its star anise and rosin products making up more than half of the global trade volume in these categories. He expressed hope that the conference would strengthen international partnerships and help advance sustainable forest management practices.