Spanish
The executive director of the Special Fund for Agricultural Development Hecmilio Galván, received the ambassador of the People's Republic of China in the Dominican Republic, Chen Luning, at the ProBambú Plant of FEDA in San Isidro Juma, Bonao, with the purpose of relaunching that facility dedicated to the processing of bamboo, where he also discussed important lines of cooperation for Dominican agriculture.
During the visit, the possibility of cooperation to start up the plant was discussed, which represents a step forward in bilateral cooperation and sustainable agro-industrial development. In addition, Galván talked about other priorities of the institution such as mechanization and agricultural technology, where China has made great advances.
The Strategic Plan was prepared by a co-management committee between FEDA, Universidad Agroforestal Fernando Arturo de Meriño UAFAM, the World Bamboo Institute and the Rat, IMBAR, among others, which includes, in addition to the revitalization of the ProBambú Plant, four complementary fronts, including the creation of the Higher Bamboo Institute housed in the plant, the planting of 30 thousand bamboo plots, the rehabilitation of nurseries, energy use and promoting technical training and innovation in the use of bamboo, among others.
A self-sufficient commercial line is also contemplated, establishing a commercial structure that guarantees the economic sustainability of the project and financing for working capital, thereby ensuring the operability and expansion of the plant.
Hecmilio Galván, thanked the support of Ambassador Chen Luning and highlighted the ties of friendship between the Dominican Republic and China while the representative of the Chinese Government expressed his commitment to review the project to ensure its success.
This project will promote the use of Dominican bamboo as a sustainable alternative, reducing dependence on imports, as well as generating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in Monseñor Nouel, boosting the production of bamboo-derived products (furniture, handicrafts, construction materials) and strengthening the local economy.
The province of Monseñor Nouel is known for its agricultural and forestry wealth, it has ideal conditions for the cultivation of bamboo, an abundant and fast-growing resource, which is why the country has the potential to develop more than 30 projects related to bamboo, which could position the Dominican Republic as a benchmark in the region.
The ProBambú Plant, started in 2016 and stopped in 2019, once operational, could process thousands of tons of bamboo per year, replacing wood imports valued at millions of dollars annually and generating a significant impact on the trade balance.
The event was attended by the provincial governor of Monseñor Nouel, Adela Tejada, Wilfredo Cabrera, President of CONFENAGRO, local entrepreneurs from the agro-industrial sector such as Frank Castillo, Ray Cordero Areche, and officials from FEDA, including Nathanael de los Santos, Enc. De Proyectos Especiales, Rafael Mendoza, in charge of Evaluation and Management, and Johan Moya, in charge of Cooperation.
