Guwahati, April 17: Experts in the bamboo sector from throughout the country will deliberate on projecting bamboo as an essential substitute for timber in future, at the forthcoming bamboo festival, ?Bamfest 2005?, to be held in Shillong.

The possibility of providing a brand name and a common platform for the bamboo crafts groups from the Northeast will also be discussed threadbare at the festival.

Bamfest 2005 has been accorded recognition by the World Bamboo Organisation (WBO) as an international event under its charter. The event, being organised by the Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre, with support from the Meghalaya government and the North Eastern Council, will be held from May 2-5.