State to figure in bamboo investment meet
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 03 2012:
Manipur will figure high on the agenda of the IX World Bamboo Congress scheduled to be held on April 11 at Antwerp, Belgium wherein policy makers, investors and entreprenuers will get together to discuss the opportunities of developing businesses and industries in North East India and other bambo rich areas of South East Asia.
Organised by the South Asia Bamboo Foundation (SABF), the investment meet will be addressed by dignitaries from across the world including the Ambassador of Indonesia to Belgium, Arif Havas Oegroseno, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr Mukul Sangma, S Haito Industry Minister of the Government of Mizoram, and CP John, member of the Planning Board of Kerela and others.
Speaking to reporters at Jupiter Yambem Centre at Imphal today, founder and Director General of SABF, Kamesh Salam said that the diverse and rich varieties of bamboo found in Manipur will be presented at the investment meet.
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Kamesh Salam who is also an expert member of the National Bamboo Mission of the Government of India, said that the investment meet is held every four years.
Bamboo products, crafted and made from the different varieties of bamboo found in Manipur would be highlighted during the meet, said Kamesh and added that the Bamboo Cycle, which has been conceptualised and for which a workshop is underway presently in Imphal would also be presented.
Manipur will be the first State in India to produce Bamboo cycles, he said and added that this has been introduced in some South East Asian countries and China.
Elaborating on the utility potential of bamboo, Kamesh said that apart from being used as raw material for papers, the top portions of a bamboo can be used as water filter.
On a global scale bamboo is a major commodity and source of livelihood, he said and added that over one billion people live in houses made of bamboo.
Other uses of bamboo include food, construction, panels, flooring, furniture, charcoal, cosmetics, medicines and textiles, he elaborated.
Apart from the dignitaries mentioned, the investment meet will be attended by officials from the European Union, International Network of Bamboo and Rattan, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, Food and Agriculture Organisation, Chambers of Commerce and Industry Associations, private investors and experts from South Asia, Europe and America.
Kamesh Salam is scheduled to leave for the meet on April 8 .