International delegates at a forestry conference in southern China called for greater global cooperation and innovation to strengthen the forestry sector and promote sustainable growth.

The 2024 World Forestry Industry Conference, held in Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, opened Saturday with nearly 1,100 companies in attendance. The two-day event featured exhibitions of new technologies and discussions on sustainable forestry practices.

Guan Zhiou, head of China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration, emphasized the forestry sector's critical role in fostering green development and boosting the economy. He said China is committed to large-scale land greening initiatives to build a sustainable future.

China leads the world with 87.6 million hectares of planted forests and 263.7 million hectares of grasslands, according to official data. The nation's forestry and grassland sector generated a total output value of 9.28 trillion yuan ($1.28 trillion) last year, benefiting over 100 million farming households and more than 60 million industry workers. The sector has also contributed significantly to rural vitalization efforts.

Charlotte Austin, New Zealand's vice-minister for primary industries, highlighted the strong forestry trade relationship between New Zealand and China. She noted that China receives more than 90 percent of New Zealand's softwood log exports.

"Forestry trade and cooperation between our two countries result in tangible economic outcomes and contribute to the prosperity of both our peoples," Austin said. She added that New Zealand sees significant opportunities for its pine wood in China's construction sector.

Bayarsaikhan Javkhlan, an adviser to Mongolia's president, expressed appreciation for China's support of green development initiatives. He cited the two countries' joint efforts under Mongolia's "Billion Trees" initiative announced in 2021 at the United Nations General Assembly.

As part of the initiative, the two nations are establishing the Mongolia-China Cooperation Center for Combating Desertification, which is expected to play a key role in environmental protection and forest restoration in the region.

During the conference, participants signed 35 contracts worth a combined 19.4 billion yuan ($2.68 billion), reflecting the event's focus on innovation and high-quality development in the forestry sector.

Guan praised Guangxi for its rich forest resources, noting that the region has the largest area of planted forests in China. Guangxi's forestry and grass industry contributed 956.9 billion yuan ($132.6 billion) in total output value last year, leading the country. Its star anise and rosin products, along with their processed derivatives, account for more than 50 percent of global trade volume.

Guan said he hopes Guangxi will use the conference as an opportunity to deepen international cooperation and advance sustainable forest management.