12-13 February - Prosperity Initiative hosted a visit of the Tripura Bamboo Project, based in the north eastern Indian state of Tripura. Through IFC, the government, private sector and development representatives from Tripura requested a meeting with Prosperity Initiative to learn more about the Mekong Bamboo programme's work with the bamboo industry in Viet Nam.

Similar to Mekong Bamboo, the Tripura project promotes a market-driven approach to connect actors along the value chain, with a focus on handicrafts, industrial products and utility items. The state-run Tripura Bamboo Mission, launched for a period of 3 years, expects to double output and employment opportunities in the sector in Tripura.

Visitors included Mr. V. George Jenner, Additional Secretary and Director of the Industries and Commerce Department in Tripura; Mr. Ganesh Kothari, owner of Cane Handicrafts; and Ms. Sharmistha Mohapatra, Head of the Tripura Bamboo Mission and an Advisor on Trade Facilitation for the IL&FS Cluster Development Initiative.

The Mekong Bamboo team provided the group with information and a firsthand look at the local bamboo industry. With support from the Handicrafts Research and Promotion Centre (HRPC) in Hanoi, Mekong Bamboo took the visitors to Ha Nam province to visit a local bamboo business and a handicrafts village. The Tripura team was interested in learning more about the technology in use here and the domestic market. Their inquiry also focussed on the Prosperity Initiative approach, in particular increasing the price of raw materials and labour whilst having an industry that remains competitive and viable.