China, Brazil conclude seminar on bamboo as a plastic substitute

A 20-day seminar marking the first China-Brazil bilateral training in the forestry and grassland sector has concluded in Beijing recently.

The Seminar on Technological Innovation of Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic for Brazil, sponsored by China's Ministry of Commerce and organized by the International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan under the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, provided a platform for knowledge exchange and technical learning.

The program brought together 25 Brazilian government officials and experts, offering both practical training and opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration. It represents a concrete step in deepening green cooperation and advancing sustainable development between China and Brazil, injecting fresh momentum into the bilateral relationship as the two countries move toward a new "Golden 50 Years".

Luiz Keppe, representative of the Brazilian embassy in China, attended the closing ceremony and praised the seminar as a vivid reflection of China-Brazil ecological cooperation.

"From technical exchanges to the convergence of ideas, we have not only enhanced our capabilities but also strengthened mutual trust," he said. On behalf of the embassy, he expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and expressed hope for more such exchanges in the future to further advance the China-Brazil partnership and promote sustainable development.

The Initiative of Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic is a global campaign launched in 2022 by the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization in collaboration with the Chinese government. China, adhering to the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets", has established a comprehensive bamboo industry chain and accumulated extensive expertise in its practical applications.

Brazil, as a member of INBAR and a pilot country for related demonstration projects, possesses abundant bamboo resources and is well-positioned to strengthen regional capacities and foster collaborative success in the bamboo and rattan sector.

The National Forestry and Grassland Administration of China has a long-standing commitment to China aid training programs in the forestry and grassland sector. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the forestry sector conducted 176 China aid training programs, benefiting approximately 9,000 participants from Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe and beyond. These programs covered a wide range of themes, including forest, wildlife, and wetland conservation, desertification control, climate change mitigation through forestry, and bamboo and rattan utilization.