LocationsOpening Remarks by Mr James George at the Kickoff of the Field Survey for the Pilot Project for China’s Sustainable Bamboo Industry and South-South Cooperation
February 4, 2026
UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in China, James George, delivered opening remarks at the kickoff of the field survey for the Pilot Project for China’s Sustainable Bamboo Industry and South-South Cooperation in Beijing, China.
Dear Mr. Zhu Xiaoliang, Director General of China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE),
Mr. Qin Daochun, Director General of the International Center for Bamboo and Rattan (ICBR),
Ms. Hanh of UNESCO
Colleagues and friends,
I am pleased to join you for the kickoff of the field survey for the Pilot Project for China’s Sustainable Bamboo Industry and South-South Cooperation.
This meeting comes at an important moment for UNDP China as we embark on our new five-year Country Programme (2026-2030) aligned to the development priorities of the national 15th Five-Year Plan.
China continues to be a critical actor in our collective efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the speed and scale required in this last stretch towards the deadline of 2030.
In this new country programme cycle, we will be piloting and co-developing innovative development solutions, which not only advance domestic development priorities but can also provide valuable lessons for other developing countries.
We believe that the new innovations and technological breakthroughs being tested and demonstrated in China can provide tangible insights for other developing countries and help accelerate global SDG progress and the Pact for the Future.
As such, I am delighted to be able to participate in this launch and discussion on the field survey to assess the full potential of China’s bamboo industry as a lever to accelerate development.
Bamboo is one of the world’s most powerful nature-based resources and a sustainable bamboo industry could be a significant contributor to China’s dual carbon goals and rural revitalization agenda, while advancing the SDGs.
For example, from an environmental perspective, bamboo can act as an important carbon sink, in addition to strengthening the circular economy by replacing plastics and addressing "white pollution".
From a socio-economic perspective, bamboo can be used as a low-carbon alternative construction material for sustainable housing, and also has the potential to stimulate local industries, and help to promote local cultural traditions.
And lastly, what makes bamboo a potential game-changer is its geographic availability. At the moment, more than 160 countries are engaged in the global trade of bamboo, and commercial cultivation is active across more than 60 countries.
"Bamboo is one of the world’s most powerful nature-based resources, and a sustainable bamboo industry could be a significant contributor to China’s dual carbon goals and rural revitalization agenda, while advancing the SDGs."
Through this field study, we will aim to explore models and innovations that can be scaled both domestically and internationally. It presents new opportunities for technical exchanges to further advance green industrial pathways and climate-resilient livelihoods that can accelerate the SDGs.
At the same time, we must recognize the challenges.
Despite its immense potential, bamboo remains underutilized in China and globally.
Our assessments point to gaps in product standards, innovation, carbon trading methodology, and value-chain integration that must be addressed for the industry to thrive sustainably.
We also need to ensure that we are able to mitigate environmental, ecological, and economic risks if not managed properly.
The primary issues stem from creating intensive monoculture plantations, the invasive nature of certain species, and the chemical-intensive processing required to create commercial products.
That is why one of the core objectives of this field study is to design a pilot project that will be able to provide policy recommendations for the sustainable development of China’s bamboo industry in the 15th FYP period—ensuring long-term impact beyond individual pilots.
I am delighted that we will be able to take forward this exciting development potential with our longstanding development partner CICETE, my fellow UN colleagues, ICBR and others.
As we begin this field survey, I look forward to working closely with all of you to build a project that supports China’s green transition, empowers local communities, and accelerates the SDGs and global climate agendas both here in China and globally.
Thank you very much.
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