From 1 to 3 November 2010, the International Industrial Biotechnology Network (IIBN) in association with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Austria, held a Stakeholder Meeting on bio-fuels and bio-materials in Nanning, Guangxi, China. The meeting was focused on the valorisation of (sub)tropical plants cassava, jatropha and sugarcane for clean and sustainable industrial production of bio-fuels and bio-materials. The meeting was hosted by the Government of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region together with the Beijing Genomics Institute, Shenzhen, China.

Experts from China, Belgium and Brazil examined constraints and opportunities related to developing new bio-products and to improving clean and efficient production of bio-energy and bio-materials from (sub)tropical plants relevant for the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (230.000 km2), located in Southern China. Feedstocks used in Guangxi for industrial production of bio-energy and for the paper and pulp industries include cassava, sugarcane, jatropha and eucalyptus, which are all extensively cultivated in this region. The entire value chain from biomass feedstock to end product was evaluated with special attention to the valorisation of waste streams generated during industrial processes.

During the meeting, opportunities for cleaner industrial production of biofuels and waste valorisation were identified. In addition, the meeting identified a need to enhance R&D capacities in Guangxi with respect to plant varietal improvement as well as screening, processing and production technologies for new bio-materials. Letters of Intent have been concluded between UNIDO and the Science and Technology Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region as a first step towards the establishment of a UNIDO-Guangxi Biotechnology R&D Center. A second Letter of Intent between IIBN and the Guangxi Academy of Sciences was signed for the enhancement of international cooperation in the field.

About IIBN:

The International Industrial Biotechnology Network focuses on adding economic value to underutilised genetic resources, and on promoting sustainable, agro-industrial development through the application of novel technologies. Its overall objective is to contribute to the sustainable economic development of economies in transition and developing countries while promoting international cooperation in these fields. The Institute of Plant Biotechnology for Developing Countries (IPBO), Ghent University, Belgium is the operational node of the network. IIBN is implemented as a UNIDO project with financial support from the Flemish Ministry for Innovation, Public Investment, Media and Poverty Reduction.