Myanmar bamboo farmers are experiencing renewed growth as more people become interested in the business, according to the leader of a local bamboo business organisation.
U Kyaw Thu, chairman of the Myanmar Rattan and Bamboo Entrepreneurs Association, said that a few years ago there were only traditional bamboo farms in Kawhmu and Kungyangon in Yangon Region, Myanaung in Ayeyarwady Region, and Kyaikto and Thaton in Mon State, but now there are more than 100 bamboo farms in the country.
“Growers are applying to plant bamboo in forested areas, but we still need to organise to develop this sector, and I hope we will have 1000 bamboo farms,” he said.
Myanmar bamboo growers are still facing challenges because bamboo products are very expensive.
While these products can be exported, local bamboo is not good enough to meet the demands of the international market. Bamboo farmers need to know how to grow quality bamboo.
“We need to develop the industry step by step, If we want to get into the international market, we need to be participate in international exhibitions,” said U Kyaw Thu.
The government and bamboo business organisations earlier this week gathered to celebrate the third annual World Bamboo Day at the Diamond Jubilee Hall at Yangon University.
The event offered an opportunity for bamboo entrepreneurs to exhibit their products and exchange ideas, focused on encouraging sustainable, responsible and inclusive growth of the industry, sharing knowledge and promoting dialogue, and making new business contacts.
Tom Coward, senior economist and growth team leader of the Britain’s Department for International Development, said, “The global bamboo market is estimated to grow by over 10 percent in the next 10 years and could be worth over US$10 billion (K15.86 trillion) by 2027. Myanmar is well placed to be part of this story.”
U Kyaw Thu emphasised the importance of the government and public sectors working together for the bamboo industry to thrive.
Source: Myanmar Times
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