Since 1995, the Asia Pacific Association of Forestry Research Institutions has been enhancing research and technology development capabilities in support of conservation and management of forest resources in Asia and the Pacific region. IUFRO established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with APAFRI in November 2002 and recognized it as its Asia Pacific Chapter.

APAFRI collaborated closely with the IUFRO Special Programme for Development of Capacities (IUFRO-SPDC, formerly Special Programme for Developing Countries) in strengthening research in the Asia Pacific region. The Chapter was terminated in 2019.