Sell wood
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Updated: November 04, 2009 7:00 AM
He said they’ve made “big gains” in the Chinese marketplace and hope this year’s delegation will continue that momentum.
Thirty-three individuals from industry, headed by Minister of Forest and Range Pat Bell, are heading to China and Japan Friday and their mission is simple:
“Sell wood,” Bell said Tuesday during a teleconference.
“That’s our priority and to promote the use of wood in the Chinese marketplace.”
Bell says for 2009 they’ve already surpassed their original targets, shipping 200 million board feet in August alone.
“It’s these kinds of gains that are driving mill production and employment,” he said.
The recent increase of marketing funds for the Chinese market, from $8.6 million in 2008/09 to $13 million in 2009/10, has allowed a coordinated approach, including:
• Primary focus on multi-family dwellings to promote wood use in building renovations.
• Demonstration projects in Sichuan earthquake zone to show merits of wood-frame construction.
• Capitalizing on opportunities from Expo 2010 in Shanghai.
• Ongoing market research to inform priorities.
• Expanded government relations.
• More interaction with larger developers and designers.
• Training and technology transfer with a wider scope, and
• Broader geographic focus.
With a number of leading market opportunities identified, such as the use of wood in walk-up apartment blocks, hybrid multi-storey, multi-family residential buildings which incorporate wood, Bell says he’s “optimistic.”
He also said he’s “hopeful” regarding Shanghai’s interest in signing a B.C. Building Code, which promotes the use of wood.
“Shanghai is very close to signing,” he said.
The primary reason for the interest is wood’s ability to withstand seismic activity. So far three major projects have been given the green light for construction using wood: Dujiangyan, Xiang’E Primary School, Mianyang Special School for Disabled and Beichuan County Leigu Town Elderly Care Centre.
“This is our fastest growing industry,” Bell said.
“We hope to make a significant announcement of the amount of lumber moved at the end of this trip.”
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