FLEGT-VPA-Myanmar-MFCC – Myanmar is currently engaging in a negotiation with European Union towards concluding the Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade – Voluntary Partnership Agreements (FLEGT – VPA).  MOECAF initiated a preparatory phase in January 2015. under the guidance of a FLEGT-VPA Interim Task Force (ITF) representing relevant government, civil society and private sector stakeholders.

Myanmar Forest Certification Committee (MFCC) fully supports the FLEGT-VPA process in Myanmar, and hosted a specific project related to FLEGT-VPA – a multi-stakeholder, participatory gap analysis of the current Myanmar’s Timber Legality Assurance System (MTLAS).  This project and the subsequent findings and recommendations (see final report) have already helped articulate and implement key MFCC strategic goals to  strengthen MTLAS. MFCC developed MTLAS with the current Myanmar legislation, rules and regulations which will be the basis for the development of VPA-TLAS.

MFCC Chairman also delivered a presentation to the FLEGT-VPA Interim task force Myanmar. His presentation covered aspects of MTLAS such as the definition of legal timber, institutional arrangements, and the importance of ensuring Certification Bodies are independent third party organisations independent of the Standard Setting process. The Chairman also briefly explained the main findings of the multi – stakeholder participatory review of the current MTLAS. Results of MFCC’s work will contribute to the Myanmar FLEGT-VPA process and development.