The U.S.-supported “Emerging Trends for the Bamboo Industry in Vietnam” conference also served as a forum for government agencies to learn about and discuss the economic, social, and environmental benefits of expanding the bamboo sector in Vietnam, and specifically in LamDongProvince.
“Vietnamese manufacturers already have a strong presence in the bamboo furniture market and are currently the third largest exporter. Southern Vietnamese producers are increasingly competitive in this market, resulting in strong recent market performance despite difficult wider market condition,” said Mr. Nigel Smith, an expert in bamboo and presenter at the conference. Unlike hardwood, fast-growing bamboo has a relatively low cost of investment. Planting high-valued bamboo species in and around existing forest areas can improve rural household income while positively impacting the environment. Mr. Dang Cong Hao, from the Ho Chi Minh City based, Grass Co. said demand for “eco products” had increased. “Our clients are willing to pay up to 15% premium on eco versus normal products,” he said.
In addition to presentations from leading experts in the bamboo industry, including International Network of Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), the conference exhibition area displayed an array of bamboo products from high-end household wares and furniture to bath and beauty products, as well as construction material and innovative design options for housing and commercial building projects. LamDongProvince, with support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), is working to develop a bamboo sector development master plan as part of their economic development strategy.
“Lam Dong has had a good start in integrating its bamboo program into the National New Rural Development Program. I believe bamboo sector development will contribute greatly in securing the government resolution on tam nong: Agriculture, farmer, and rural development,” said Vice Minister Ho Xuan Hung, who chaired the conference. Winrock International, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supported Asia Regional Biodiversity Conservation Program (ARBCP), organized the conference in partnership with MARD, LamDongProvince and Prosperity Initiative. ARBCP works with poor households to generate income earning opportunities that minimize forest clearing. The ARBCP model promotes planting high-valued bamboo in lower densities to maintain the forest in its natural state. Keeping natural forest cover has been shown to reduce the costs of producing electricity through the hydropower sector and the costs of producing clean water through SAWACO and other water utilities. Reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation payments are expected to add to the local level incomes while improving Vietnam’s capacity to meet its climate change treaty obligations.
Ngoc Anh