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Potential opportunities for the Vietnam bamboo industry

( Update: 27/03/2018 )

The U.S.-supported conference on “Emerging Trends for the Bamboo Industry in Vietnam” also served as a forum for government agencies to learn about and discuss the socio – economic and environmental benefits of developing the bamboo sector in Vietnam, especially in Lam Dong Province. 
“Vietnamese manufacturers already have a strong presence in the bamboo furniture market and Vietnam is currently the third largest exporter. Vietnamese producers are increasingly competitive in this market, resulting in good business performance despite many difficulties” said Mr. Nigel Smith, an expert in bamboo. 
Unlike hardwood, bamboo is a fast-growing plant with a relatively low cost of initial investment. Planting high-valued bamboo species in and around forest areas can improve rural household income while positively impact the environment. Mr. Dang Cong Hao, from the Grass Company said demand for “eco products” had increased. Clients are willing to pay up to 15% higher than other normal products.
In addition to presentations by leading experts in the bamboo industry like International Network of Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), the conference also displayed an array of high-class bamboo products from household furniture to bath and beauty products, as well as construction material and innovative design options for commercial construction.  
Lam Dong Province, with the support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), is making a master plan to develop a bamboo sector as a part of their economic development strategy. The vice Minister of MARD Ho Xuan Hung said “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 developing new rural areas based on the government resolution on agriculture, farmer, and rural development”.
Winrock International, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supported Asia Regional Biodiversity Conservation Program, organized the conference in partnership with MARD, Lam Dong Province and Prosperity Initiative. ARBCP supports poor households to generate opportunities for higher income and minimize deforestation. The ARBCP model promotes planting high-valued bamboo in low densities to maintain the forest in its natural state. Keeping natural forest cover is shown to reduce the cost of producing electricity through the hydropower plants and the cost of producing clean water.