On 11 May 2017, H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) visited the headquarters of the International Network of Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) and exchanged views with Dr. Hans Friedrich, Director General of INBAR. Mr. Li Zhiyong, Deputy Director General of INBAR, Ms. Hao Ying, Director of Membership Affairs of INBAR and Mr. Zhang Xuehai, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations Division of ACC, joined the visit.

Director General Friedrich welcomed Secretary-General Yang Xiuping to INBAR headquarters. He made a brief introduction of INBAR. He said that Southeast Asian countries have abundant bamboo and rattan resources, which indicates vast potential to develop relevant industries. INBAR will take this year, which marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of INBAR, as an opportunity to actively propose “INBAR’s Proposed Vision on Bamboo and Rattan for ASEAN Sustainable Development”, enhance exchanges and cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, further promote the development of bamboo and rattan in Southeast Asia and attract more ASEAN countries to join INBAR. He expressed his appreciation to ACC for supporting the INBAR event themed “Bamboo and Rattan for Sustainable Development in Southeast Asia” and expected to enhance communication and exchanges with ACC to explore further cooperation.

Secretary-General Yang Xiuping congratulated on the 20th anniversary of INBAR and praised the achievements INBAR had done over the years. She said as international organizations, both ACC and INBAR are committed to promoting friendly relations and practical cooperation between member countries. ACC would like to enhance mutual learning and experience sharing with INBAR, explore ways to expand cooperation and make joint efforts to the further advancement of ASEAN-China relations as well as regional development and prosperity.

Accompanied by Deputy Director General Li Zhiyong, Secretary-General Yang also visited the products centre of bamboo and rattan to learn the development of the industry.