Bamboo Industry: Workshop On Bamboo Utilization Market Potential Kicked Off

With an aim to develop Bamboo industry, a three day workshop on Bamboo Utilization Market Potential and Bamboo Industry kicked off in Yangon on Wednesday.

It was supported by Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund (2018) and organized by the Department of Research and Innovation (DRI) of the Ministry of Education.

According to the Ministry of Education, the workshop aims to develop bamboo industry in Mekong region, to set up a network of bamboo enterprises and researchers community in Mekong countries; Cambodia, laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam by leading Chinese expertise and to enhance the research collaboration between research institutes, universities and private sector.

During 2016-2017, about 1.2 million of bamboo culms are produced in Myanmar. Ministry of Education shared their supports and plans for the development of the industry.

Deputy Director General, Department of Research and Innovation (MoE), Phyu Phyu Win said “Supported by the Mekong-Lancang Special cooperation Fund, we invited delegates, key note speakers, experts and associations from Bamboo and rattan industry including experts and officials from China, as well as members from Mekong-Lancang countries. With presence of over 50 attendees, we are aiming to discuss on development of the industry, strengthen the value-added industry, technology, as well as improving network among Myanmar and the Mekong-Lancang countries. Currently, in Myanmar, we have many difficulties including technology needs in value-added productions.”

Rector, Dr. San Win said “Officials and ministry are now encouraging the private plantations, as well as emergence of community forest and bamboo zone. Bamboo could be used to make various household appliances, food, and clothing. I think we need more international markets for our products. I hope to see more support from the government for the industry as well as public demands and support for the bamboo related products in the market.”

Among 102 bamboo species in Myanmar, 18 bamboo species are mostly used, industry players said. They also added the difficulties of the industry and urged for more support.

Vice Chairman, Myanmar Bamboo Society, Lay Naing said “Currently, most of our productions and products are for local market, although we do have some items and products to be able to exports to international market like Japan. There are many difficulties, especially technology, knowledge to be able to improve quality for exports. Bamboo is a versatile material and its fast growing nature, mechanical properties and nutritional value, bamboo has a high potential for economic and environmental development and international trade. So we are now trying to encourage for the private plantations, as well as emergence of bamboo zone and more factories for value-added productions.”

Over 50 participants from both Myanmar and Mekong countries, associations, experts attended the workshop which will continue until Friday. 

Chinese experts and the delegates from Mekong region will share their experiences on bamboo processing technology and knowledge to support sustainable development, policy and many more, officials said.