Thua Thien-Hue Province People's Committee has announced it will invest over VND40bn (USD1.7m) in the rattan craft on January 2.

For the second phase of rattan craft development for the 2017-2020 period, it's expected that at least 1,500 hectares of rattan and 500 hectares of bamboos would be planted. The province will also preserve and expand the craft to promote its economic, cultural and environmental values.

Tourists interested in rattan products

It is hoped that a stable market for rattan products can be formed and production would help boost local tourism and the export industry which, in turn, will create jobs and increase local people's revenues. It also contributes to the economic restructuring and new rural development.

The programme will be carried in two mountainous districts Nam Dong and A Luoi, Huong Tra and Huong Thuy communes along with some communes in Phong Dien, Phu Loc districts.

Many rattan products are made in Hue City

Local authorities have encouraged the people to participate in the rattan development.

It's estimated that the province needs VND40.4bn (USD1.7m) for the second phase.

Thua Thien-Hue Province has also announced its forest development and protection plan for 2017-2020 period with an estimated cost of VND243bn. It expects to grow 9,000 hectares of industrial plantations and 4,000 hectares of protective forests.