Progressive Evolution of China’s Bamboo Sector：An Examination of Key Features and Determinants， A Comparative Study Focusing on Zhejiang and Sichuan Provinces

【Objective】 In the context of continuously increased labor costs，the bamboo industry in China takes on differentiated developmental trends，impacting its income-increasing effects，highlighting an urgent need for attention. 【Method】 This paper traces the development history of China’s bamboo industry to grasp its current status. The focus then shifts to the provincial scale，comparatively analyzing the development characteristics and influencing factors of the bamboo industry in Zhejiang and Sichuan provinces. 【Result】 Comparative analysis indicates that：(1) Regarding the factors of natural resources，due to differences in bamboo species resources，the two provinces have adopted distinct industrial orientations. Zhejiang is directed towards a comprehensive bamboo industry chain，while Sichuan emphasizes bamboo pulping and papermaking as its pillar industries. (2) In the aspects of labor force and industry resources，Zhejiang prefers attracting high-skilled labor，having obtained significant added value，and its industry agglomeration effect is pronounced. In contrast，Sichuan，though its labor costs are lower，leans heavily on low-skilled labor force. (3) At the policy level，Zhejiang prioritizes technological innovation，in-depth product processing，and environmental sustainability. Sichuan，however，leans more on resources utilization and the development of the papermaking sector，with a higher tolerance of pollution-intensive industries. 【Conclusion】 In light of the above results，it’s imperative to innovate developmental models with an emphasis on processing. Furthermore，there’s a need to bolster the growth of small and micro-enterprises，advocating green technological advancements，and finally needing to intensify collaboration with research institutions to address environmental issues.