On 10 January 2018, H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), visited Tropical Forest Plant Research Institute of International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan (ICBR), and met with H.E. Professor Jiang Zehui, Co-Chair of Board of Trustees of International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), Director-General of ICBR, and President of China Flower Association. Attended the event were Mr. Liu Shirong, Party Secretary of ICBR, Mme. Liu Hong, Secretary-General of China Flower Association, Mr. Liu Guanglu, Deputy Director of Tropical Forest Plant Research Institute of ICBR, Mr. Hu Tao, Deputy Director of Garden Flowers and Landscape Research Institute of ICBR, and Mr. Zhang Xuehai, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations Division of ACC.

Professor Jiang welcomed Secretary-General Yang Xiuping to visit Tropical Forest Plant Research Institute of ICBR during her trip to attend the 12th China (Sanya) International Orchid Show. She stated that as the first global intergovernmental organization headquartered in China, INBAR is dedicated to promoting sustainable development of bamboo and rattan resources and the inclusive and green development of bamboo and rattan industries. Southeast Asia is rich in bamboo and rattan resources, and possesses broader prospect of industrial development. There have been 6 ASEAN countries among the members of INBAR. She hoped to enhance contacts with ACC and further expand exchanges and cooperation with ASEAN countries by means of ACC’s unique resources and platforms to promote win-win results and common development.

Party Secretary Liu Shirong and Deputy Director Liu Guanglu respectively briefed on ICBR and Tropical Forest Plant Research Institute. Established in 2000, ICBR aims to conduct basic and applied researches, promote international scientific cooperation and exchanges, develop new curriculum and cultivate high-level professionals, offer scientific consultation, promote application of scientific outcomes in the field of bamboo and rattan among the member states of INBAR, and provide support and service to INBAR. ICBR actively undertakes the application of scientific and technologic outcomes and launched the Innovative Driving Alliance for Bamboo and Rattan Industry Development in 2014 which vigorously promotes the sustainable development of bamboo and rattan industries. Incepted in 6 November 2015, Tropical Forest Plant Research Institute is the only affiliated institute of ICBR focusing on tropical forest plants. It is also the Bamboo and Rattan Science Technology Training Centre of INBAR, Hainan Sanya Positioning and Monitoring Station for Ecosystem of Bamboo and Rattan Associated Forest of State Forestry Administration. It is consisted of Scientific Management and Service Area of Sanya Bay and Field Test Area of Ganshiling Hill. Focusing on tropical forests, flowers, bamboos and rattans, it undertakes the collection and preservation of germ plasma, scientific studies, international exchanges, technological training and so on. It has been active in international exchanges and cooperation and last year held a session of Sustainable Development and Management of Bamboo and Rattan Resources of Countries along the Belt and Road, and achieved good results.

Secretary-General Yang Xiuping outlined ACC’s mandate and work, and commended INBAR, ICBR and Tropical Forest Plant Research Institute for their achievements. She paid high tribute to Professor Jiang who has made tremendous efforts in pushing forward cooperation of bamboo, rattan and flower between China and the rest of the world including ASEAN countries, and has made outstanding contributions to global sustainable development. She stated that ACC has been maintaining good relations with INBAR and ICBR for long, and hoped to enhance cooperation to push forward ASEAN-China bamboo and rattan industrial cooperation with more outcomes, so as to make greater contributions to the in-depth and all-around development of bilateral relations and better benefit people of both sides.