Vietnam is a global hub for the illicit trade of contraband animal products, including ivory, rhino horn, pangolin, tiger and bear parts. The communist country is both a top consumer and popular transit route for illegal products from Africa that are smuggled over to other Asian markets, notably China. Speaking at the Hanoi Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade, William urged governments around the world to act quickly to save vulnerable species before it is too late. The illegal wildlife industry, estimated to be worth $20 billion, is driven chiefly by demand in Vietnam and China for traditional medicines and decorations fashioned from the animal products. The Hanoi Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade is the third held since 2014 -- previous meetings were held in Britain and Botswana -- and the largest of its kind ever hosted in Vietnam.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 17, 2016 05:46 UTC