Pakistan becomes latest member of sustainable group

Bamboo, a fast-growing grass, and rattan, a spiky climbing palm, can be useful in resolving a number of pressing global challenges, providing a means of livelihood, particularly in rural areas, and serving as a low-carbon, biomaterial for making a wide range of products. Bamboo in particular is also frequently used to restore degraded land and prevent desertification.

Speaking on behalf of INBAR, Martin Mpana, Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon to China, said that he was truly delighted to have Pakistan join the family

"We believe that Pakistan's membership will benefit us all, and we look forward to working together (to) better understand and use these non-timber resources," he said

A number of high-level government representatives from China, where INBAR is headquartered, also spoke at the ceremony.