Jeroen Verheul (left) from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs signs agreement with Hans Friederich, the director general of INBAR. Photo: Courtesy of Wang Xudong

China and the Netherlands will cooperate with the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) to develop the bamboo industry in three African countries - Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia, according to an agreement signed among the parties on August 2 in Beijing. The agreement aims to develop the bamboo industry in the three countries over the next three years. Chinese and Dutch expertise in bamboo industrial chain development, product design, marketing and standardization will help the three African countries make further use of their vast potential of the bamboo resources. It will be beneficial to develop green economy, boost international trade and reduce poverty in the three African countries.