Economic globalization, trade and forest transition-the case of nine Asian countries

Previous studies have mostly focused on the links between the variability of trade of primary sector products and forest transition. This study more widely discusses the effects of economic globalization on forest transition, and explores the links between trade, adjustment of trade structure, FDI and forest transition in nine Asian countries. The study also expands the scope of forest transition study and integrates the analysis of both forest quantity and quality change in forest transition research. The result suggests that the proportion of forestry products in total exports has significantly negative effects on forest area, forest volume and forest density, while the total export value has positive effects on forest area and forest density. It indicates that one country or region may improve forest resources condition through upgrading the export structure by absorbing FDI in manufacturing and service sectors to develop export-oriented manufacturing and service industries. This study demonstrates the need to introduce forest quality analysis in forest transition study. It also indicates that when exploring the relationship between economic globalization and forest transition, one should consider the overall situations how one country participates in economic globalization and the development and adjustment of its industries in the process of economic integration.