Premier Li Keqiang sent a congratulatory message to the first session of the Global Bamboo and Rattan Congress, which opened in Beijing on June 25.

Premier Li said it is the goal of all countries to achieve comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable development, and that bamboo and rattan resources have been playing a unique role in eliminating poverty, improving people’s lives, developing the green economy, and tackling climate change.

With the theme of “Enhancing South-South Cooperation for Green Development through Bamboo and Rattan’s Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals”, the congress is expected to build an important platform for dialogue and exchanges among countries, said the Premier.

He added that the meeting will help promote global preservation and use of bamboo and rattan resources, and contribute to the sustainable development of all countries.

China attaches great importance to ecological civilization construction, and is persistent in putting into practice the concept of green development as well as the idea of coexistence of humankind and nature, Premier Li said.

China has a long history of cultivating and utilizing bamboo and rattan, as well as an extensive and profound culture regarding bamboo, said the Premier.

He called on all countries to work together to promote the sustainable development of the bamboo and rattan industry as part of efforts to deepen South-South cooperation, implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and build a clean and beautiful world.