The World´s First Asset-Backed Bamboo Bond

No, it’s not a rogue line from Dick Van Dyke’s bamboo song in the cinematic entertainment Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It’s an invitation to a free seminar for those interested in alternative, ethical and environmentally friendly investments.

Extending the invitation are the directors of Property Frontiers, David Cox and Ray Withers. The date is Thursday July  21 2011. The venue is the Hilton Paddington, London.

The time is 6.30pm.

“In these uncertain economic times, alternative investments have proved extremely popular with Property Frontiers’ clients investing over $1m in their first bamboo opportunity,” intones the invitation. “Now, due to client demand, the world’s first asset-backed bamboo bond providing fixed returns up to 55% has been launched,” it goes on, triggering alarm bells in this reader’s head. If it looks or sounds too good to be true, then it is normally the case that it is too good to be true. At the very least there have to be questions asked about whether what looks very like an investment proposition for the 'sophisticated professional' should be marketed to retail investors.

Property Frontiers says it has undertaken thorough research and due diligence to find the most secure forestry investment available on the market with investment from £10,235. In addition, they say, the bond issuer´s capacity to pay the interest has been assessed by various experts including a UK based trustee and Yale University.

“Bamboo plantation projects will be as profitable as those involving timber tree crops. In fact, there are clear indications that bamboo plantations can be more profitable,”
 according to a quote being attributed to Dr Montagnini, Yale University School of Forestry
 (I am checking the content of this quote with the good doctor, as well as asking her for the ultimate source and whether she is backing this campaign and will report back when she replies; don’t hold your breath waiting, though, as she is out of the office from June 4 till August 26).

In the meantime, Property Frontiers people are asking the following rhetorical questions which they will no doubt answer on July 21.

Why savvy investors should consider the bamboo bond?

How the returns are fixed and secured?

How these returns will be made?

Who the management team behind the project are?

How to profit from booming bamboo? 

As places are limited, those interested in attending are asked to contact Charlotte Ashton at [email protected] or 0207 952 7227/07968 779 663 by July 20. 
We are assured that complimentary refreshments will be provided along with detailed information and expert comment from director Cox.