China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) issued a proposal on forestry cooperation Tuesday, showcasing their determination to conserve forest resource.

"Strengthening cooperation between China and the ASEAN in the field of forestry will enable the sustainable forestry development in China and ASEAN countries, and provide mutual benefits for both sides," the proposal says.

With an aim to promote sustainability, ASEAN and China agreed to enhance high-level communication of forestry authorities, strengthen exchange and cooperation in forestry legislation, law enforcement and governance, and standardize the timber and wood product trade procedures, according to the proposal, issued at the end of the China-ASEAN Forestry Cooperation Forum.

The two sides also agreed to explore mechanism of preventing forest fire on national borders as well as enhance the awareness of people living in boundary areas.

Reducing felling of trees and increasing forest coverage has become the consensus of the region and the entire international community. China is working for the set target to increase its forest coverage from the current 18 percent to 23 percent by the year 2020, said Li Yucai, deputy director of China's State Forestry Administration.

The forest coverage in China and ASEAN member countries put together accounts for 68 percent of Asia's total and 10 percent of the world's total.

More than 200 officials and experts from China, the ASEAN member countries and representatives of regional and international organizations attended the forum held alongside the fourth China- ASEAN Expo in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

(Xinhua News Agency October 30, 2007)