Various kinds of bonsai are exhibited during the 2023 China-ASEAN Expo on Forestry Products and Wood Products. [Photo/China News Service]

The first World Forestry Industry Conference opened in Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Nov 25, witnessing the signing of 30 key forestry industry projects that have a total investment exceeding 48 billion yuan ($7 billion).

These projects covered a wide range of sectors including bamboo and wood flooring, smart manufacturing, spices and fragrances, forest-based health and wellness.

The conference, hosted by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration and the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, included a combination of conferences, exhibitions and forums. It aimed to establish a globally specialized platform for forestry industry exchanges and cooperation.

Guan Zhi'ou, head of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, noted that China has become the country with the fastest and largest growth in forest resources worldwide. Its forest ecosystems continuously improve in diversity, stability and sustainability.

China will take this conference as an opportunity to jointly create a professional platform for international cooperation in the forestry industry, added Guan.

The 2023 China-ASEAN Expo on Forestry Products and Wood Products, which is part of the conference, was held in Nanning from Nov 24 to 26. It featured areas such as furniture and home furnishings, paper products, camellia oil, agroforestry, spices and fragrances, flowers and bonsai, woodworking machinery, and bamboo and wood products.