Xylexpo 2012: A good way to start
Full collaboration for the creation of a training school in Oyem, Gabon. This is the opening act of the next edition of Xylexpo, the biennial international exhibition of woodworking technology and furniture industry supplies to be held next 8 to 12 May 2012 at the FieraMilano expo center in Rho.

Gabon is among the African countries where woodworking can be a key resource for social development, in view of the large availability of raw material (and the recent decision to ban log export in order to support local processing), and for the creation of a stable social, political and economic situation.
So, there are all the necessary conditions to establish a dedicated training center for the operation and maintenance of machinery for wood and wood-based materials; this initiative was strongly supported by Monsignor Jean-Vincent Ondo, Bishop of the diocese of Oyem, who was the real driver of this project.

Xylexpo is sponsoring the initiative together with the no-profit association Amici per il Centrafrica, Acimall (Italian woodworking machinery and tools manufacturers’ Association) and Ice, the Italian Foreign Trade Institute that – just like the Italian Ministry of Production Activities – is a reference partner for the exhibition as the big event for the promotion of made-in-Italy technology around the world.
The goal of this charity is to train workers so that they can operate and maintain traditional woodworking machinery adequately. In annual courses, the center will deliver theory and practice to approximately fifty engineers, but the number of classes will soon be increased.
Lessons will be given by expert joiners coming from Italy to work for free as voluntary teachers in the rooms offered by the diocese.

This is just a minor instance of the values associated to raw material wood; Xylexpo wanted to give a tangible sign of support at the opening of registrations for exhibitors who will attend the 23rd edition. A small contribution with a strong symbolic value, surely a good omen for the success of the biennial exhibition.

SOURCE: Xylexpo 2012

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