The capital of Benin , Cotonou, is famous for its bamboo houses of the 1950s. Bamboo and rattan resources are located predominantly in the eastern region and have traditionally been used in housing construction, furniture, fencing, fishing, making alcohol, etc. The use of bamboo in housing is considered to be one possible solution for meeting current housing shortages. Bolivia , which is a net importer of bamboo from its neighbouring countries, uses it in housing and handicraft manufacture, among several other uses. The country is seeking to enlarge its production base of useful bamboo species, so as to reduce its imports.
Chile has abundant native bamboo resources, but no rattan as of yet.
Bamboo is used for fodder, furniture, construction material, domestic implements and other daily needs. Wicker furniture which is made from a Salix species, is widely exported, and because of the similarity of the products, and common markets, information on developments in the global rattan industry is sought after by local manufacturers. The importance of bamboo and rattan to China , and China's importance, especially to the bamboo sector, cannot be overstated. It is estimated that over 1,000 bamboo specialists are employed in the Chinese forestry research sector. Colombia boasts a rich bamboo tradition, and evidence suggests that bamboo was the principal construction material used by the first inhabitants of the area.