Mbalmayo: SMEs ministry, INBAR join forces to promote bamboo, rattan sectors.

It was signed on August 27, at the Special Handicrafts Village of Mbalmayo, abbreviated in French VASM.

The agreement aims to develop and promote bamboo and rattan in Cameroon, with a focus on improving the well-being of producers and users while preserving a sustainable resource base. 

Minister Achille Bassilekin III signed for MINPMEESA and INBAR’s Director for Central Africa, René Kaam, signed for the institution. The MoU outlines the terms of cooperation between MINPMEESA and INBAR.

The key areas of cooperation include, promoting and valorising bamboo and rattan, developing bamboo and rattan clusters, digitising handicrafts, structuring craftsmen in the bamboo and rattan sector, strengthening technical capacities, and sharing experiences and information.

According to the agreement, MINPMEESA has committed to providing space for bamboo and rattan workshops, facilitating the installation of tools and equipment, and ensuring the management and maintenance of equipment.

On its part, INBAR will acquire and install hand tools, build capacity, acquire and install heavy equipment, and support the organisation of events to promote bamboo and rattan.

The signing of the memorandum was followed by a handover of working equipment to VASM craftsmen, comprising angle molders, percussion drilling chisels, lever gas flashlights, and gas cylinders, with the aim to enable craftsmen better showcase their skills to the general public. 

The signing ceremony also doubled as a special day to promote and showcase bamboo and rattan-based objects, highlighting the opportunities offered by the bamboo industry.

Minister Achille Bassilekin III invited craftsmen to make good use of the equipment and return to VASM to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the MoU. He emphasised the goal of making Mbalmayo the capital of bamboo and rattan.

For René Kaam, INBAR’s mission is to consolidate, coordinate and support strategic and adaptive research and development of bamboo and rattan.

He noted that Cameroon is a privileged partner, being the 2nd African country in terms of bamboo and rattan development, and has hosted INBAR’s Africa Office since 2018.

The partnership between MINPMEESA and INBAR is expected to boost the bamboo sector in Cameroon, creating opportunities for craftsmen and promoting sustainable development.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3214 of Friday August 30, 2024