BEIJING -- Top political advisor Jia Qinglin said Tuesday that China will continue to support the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan, or?INBAR, an inter-governmental organization, in order to protect, develop and utilize bamboo and rattan resources.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the pledge while addressing a ceremony marking the 15th founding anniversary of INBAR, which boasts 38 member countries and more than 100 partners.

INBAR works for environmental protection, poverty elimination and industry improvement by strengthening international cooperation in the protection and sustainable use of bamboo and rattan.

Acknowledging INBAR as the first inter-governmental organization headquartered in China, Jia said the Chinese government attaches great importance and support to the development of the organization and is willing to provide financial and technical support to help developing countries to develop and utilize bamboo and rattan.

"INBAR has played an important role in speeding up the development of bamboo and rattan resources, alleviating poverty in areas where those resources are produced and boosting international trade," Jia said.

Jia suggested enhancing research and development, increasing job opportunities within the industry and increasing international policy coordination in order to boost the development of the industry.

The ceremony was chaired by Zhao Shucong, head of the State Forestry Administration. Bangladesh's Food and Disaster Management Minister Abdur Razzak and INBAR co-chair of the board Jiang Zehui delivered speeches at the event.