CFC and INBAR see growth potential for bamboo and rattan products
Shanghai--The growing importance of international trade in bamboo and rattan in Asia and recent innovations in product development for housing and design are opening new perspectives and market opportunities for both commodities, according to Managing Director, Amb. Mchumo. The Ambassador spoke at the opening ceremony of the International Network for Bamboo & Rattan (INBAR)'s pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China.
"INBAR is a very important partner of CFC, and it had been designated by CFC as the International Commodity Body for Bamboo and Rattan since 2000. Joint CFC/INBAR project operations started in 2002. We have been working closely for the past eight years on projects with the focus on bamboo and rattan supply chain improvement and diversification of bamboo and rattan products," said Amb. Mchumo.
The global bamboo and rattan markets have enormous potential for future growth. Demand is growing in developed and emerging markets, as the sector continues to expand its versatile product development base.
Amb. Mchumo said, INBAR and the CFC have recognized the sector's potential and are working together on promising supply chains and products, to increase markets, upgrade supply chains, and to provide more valued-added goods for the urban consumers and higher returns to the rural producers.
In a press statement, INBAR's Director General, Coosje Hoogendoorn said," At the Expo, the pavilions of Spain, India, Indonesia, Norway, Vietnam, Peru, Madrid and the German-Chinese House, are all amazing structures that have transformed the Expo into the world's largest demonstration of the incredible versatility, durability and sustainability of bamboo and rattan."
"When you consider that the key objective of the Expo is to showcase how to enhance urban living, while protecting the environment, the message couldn't be clearer. Bamboo and rattan are a genuine solution," added Hoogendoorn.
INBAR's participation in Expo 2010, will further promote the use of bamboo and rattan as resources for environmental protection and poverty alleviation, whilst promoting fairer trade. In Shanghai, it launched the 2010 INBAR Congress on Bamboo and Rattan, which will bring together policy makers, experts and enthusiasts from all over the world to discuss ways to harness the enormous potential of bamboo and rattan to deliver environmental, social and economic outcomes, and to address challenges that are hindering growth in the sector. Published May 20, 2010.