Promoting Myanmar-Chinese Bamboo Industry Cooperation

HANGZHOU (Oct. 23, 2016) – Under the coordination of researchers at the Global Environmental Institute (GEI) and at the invitation of Dr. Zhong Zheke of the State Forestry Administration’s Bamboo Research and Development Center (CBRC), the Myanmar Rattan and Bamboo Entrepreneurs Association (MRBEA), NGOs and SMEs, a six-member delegation visited Zhejiang and Anhui for a study tour.

The project is supported by the Blue Moon Fund (bmf) and is aimed to develop the bamboo industry in Myanmar in a way that still minds forest conservation and rural economic growth.

The purpose of the study trip was to study bamboo planting, bamboo processing and business development models in China. The trip was also a means to build potential cooperation between China’s and Myanmar’s bamboo industry and promote the China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative. 

Under the leadership of Dr. Zhong, the delegation of Myanmar and GEI officials visited a number of bamboo and bamboo shoots processing enterprises including bamboo flooring, bamboo charcoal, bamboo tableware, furniture, bamboo mats and curtains. Seeing the variety of enterprises first-hand was eye-opening and greatly benefitted the delegates.

Enhancing Bamboo Industry Entrepreneurship

Bamboo Flooring Technology

The first leg of the delegation arrived at Guangde County in Anhui Province, which is the home to one of the best domestic producers of indoor and outdoor bamboo flooring technology, Homeyoun Bamboo Technology Co., Ltd. The Myanmar delegation praised the company’s production process and advanced production equipment and bamboo flooring production. The trip also deepened their understanding of processing.

Dr. Zhong and the Enterprise CEO briefed the Myanmar delegation on the production of the bamboo flooring – GEI 2016

Bamboo Charcoal Production

During the second leg of the trip, the delegation visited Anji County, Zhejiang Province, known as the bamboo county, which was actually the scene from the film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” Dr. Zhong highlighted a zero-emission bamboo charcoal producer and told the delegation that bamboo charcoal has a considerable market demand. If the technology was introduced to Myanmar, it may not only expand the market, but also improve the environmental protection.

Myanmar Delegation and GEI project officer discuss the bamboo charcoal production process – GEI 2016 

Bamboo Processing and Manufacturing

The third leg of the trip brought the delegation to three site visits to the Baizhang town in Yuhang District of Hangzhou city, which has many excellent bamboo processing and manufacturing enterprises. The delegation saw the production of a variety of materials including bamboo tableware by Suncha Bamboo Technology, Co., Ltd., to bamboo mats and curtains by Fucheng Bamboo Company, as well as innovative small furniture products by Yishun Bamboo Products Co., Ltd. The delegation was amazed by the innovative spirit of local entrepreneurs, improved machinery, production processes, and exquisite bamboo products.

The delegation visited the Suncha company’s various bamboo tableware- GEI 2016

The delegation was amazed by the enterprise’s production equipment – GEI 2016

Bamboo Shoot Production and Processing

The last leg of the delegation visit was to Yalida trading Co., Ltd., which located in Deqing County, Zhejiang Province and is primarily engaged in the production and processing of bamboo shoots. Mr. YU Zhixiang, General Manager of the Yalida, introduced the company’s profile, products, market and future plans as well as gave a tour of the bamboo shoot’s production lines. This trip was worthwhile for the delegation, as there is great interest from Mr. Yu to build up bamboo shoot production in Myanmar.

Yu, General Manager of Yalida, introduces the company – GEI 2016

The delegation visited the bamboo shoot production line – GEI 2016

Forum

After two days of study, the Burmese delegation had cultivated a much deeper understanding on the development of bamboo cultivation, bamboo processing technology, and business models. During the forum, Dr. Zhong of Bamboo Center introduced the bamboo research projects happening at the center, overseas aid projects and advanced production technology.

The Members of the Myanmar delegation also expressed their great interest. U Zaw Win and U Mehm Ko Ko Gyi, the NGO leaders of the Myanmar Delegation, and U Tin Oo, Vice Chairman of MRBEA, also briefed us on the current situation and problems of the bamboo industry in Myanmar.

The main concerns regarding scaling up Myanmar’s bamboo production are as follows:

• bamboo cultivation and management;
• reduced amount and scattered distribution of natural bamboo;
• lack of research on types of bamboo;
• limited bamboo processing technology;
• poor equipment;
• high rate of waste;
• bamboo product quality is low;
• and non-standardized and complicated investment policies and procedures.

The study trip gave the attendees an opportunity to discuss these concerns as well as explore new options for the business. In fact, U Zaw Win and Ma Yi Mon Thant, entrepreneurs of two small-to-medium sized firms, expressed great interest in bamboo charcoal and bamboo shoots. Dr. Zhong was able to speak with the delegation and give advice on how to proceed in developing these two new industries. The entire group felt encouraged by the many future avenues for cooperation!

Everyone carefully listed as the vice president of MRBEA introduced the situation of the Burmese bamboo industry – GEI 2016

For the next step, GEI will continue to work with the Bamboo Center to promote bilateral cooperation in bamboo processing and production. Additionally, GEI will be active in cultivating new policies and other aspects of communication between China and Myanmar including signing an MOU. (The delegation poses for a photo in the showroom of the Bamboo Center)

The delegation poses for a photo in the showroom of the Bamboo Center – GEI 2016