THIS year’s Dubai WoodShow will discuss legalising global trading of timber products, especially at a time when several countries have adopted stringent measures from the start of this year to license trading in timber products.

Dubai WoodShow, to be held this month (April 8 to 10) on an area of 13,428 sq m at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE, has lined up dedicated seminars to discuss this issue.

Some of the leading international experts who will participate in the seminar include Kirsten Canbei from US Forest Trends; Rachel Butler from European Timber Trade Federation (ETTF); John Hallket from Australian Timber Trade and Industry Federation; Alisson Hoare, moderator, Chattam House, London; Vincent Van Den Berg, alternative moderator, EFI FLEGT Asia; Caitlin Clarke, moderator, World Research Institute and Bambang Hendroyono, director General of Indonesia Ministry of Forestry.

The seminars will be attended by government representatives from the UAE and the region.

Walid Farghal, director general of Strategic Marketing and Exhibitions, organiser of The Dubai WoodShow, said: “Currently, no timber products without certification can enter Europe, Australia and the US, which are considered major markets for these products.”

Farghal expects more countries to enforce these measures to regulate timber trading. More than 500 exhibitors from 40 countries have registered for this year’s show.