On October 27, the Evergreen Building Products Association in collaboration with the China Market Development Program for U.S. Building Materials and the U.S. Soft Woods Association organized a wood seminar geared toward architects, structural engineers, and building and design companies and associations in Xiamen. The seminar was attended by 130 and elaborated on the technical aspects and advantages of wood assembly versus steel.  The seminar encouraged attendees to expand usage of timber construction in China.  During the seminar several speakers featured examples of recently constructed world renowned softwood structures (using soft wood materials such as spruces, fir, pine, etc.) and featuring examples such as bridges, sports stadium domes, churches and other structures.  Though many of the attendees are design experts, many had specific questions regarding tension limits of certain wood varieties and cuts.  Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and California Redwoods, were featured in other presentations for their specific properties for specific uses in construction such as structural logs, roof frames, flooring and paneling.  Construction booms are taking place in Fujian and Guangxi provinces. ATO/Guangzhou Director supported the event and delivered welcoming remarks to participants of the event, encouraging greater attention to frontier markets in South China and introducing the ATO’s services to both U.S. exporters and South China wood buyers.