China, Japan to cooperate more in energy conservation
Source: Xinhua | 11-29-2008 09:27
TOKYO, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- China and Japan are getting closer in
cooperation in energy conservation and sustainable development by
signing a number of new contracts using Japan's technologies to cut
China's energy consumption.
In the third edition of a China-Japan energy conservation forum held
here Friday, a total of 19 contracts are signed between government
institutions and companies from both countries, covering a wide
range of subjects from sewage treatment to garbage recycling and
emission reduction.
Both countries realized energy conservation is where they can work
together to achieve mutual benefit against a backdrop of world
economic recession and heightening global warming.
"Cutting energy consumption and emission is an urgent task facing
the Chinese government," said Xie Zhenhua, vice director of China's
National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), adding "in
this regard, Japan has a lot of experiences to share."
Xie said the country was in the process of industrialization and
urbanization when emissions were usually high, a natural rule
experienced by rich nations earlier.
"Japan has undergone the same phase China is experiencing and now
possesses cutting-edge technologies in many areas such as garbage
and sewage treatment," Xie said. "By transferring the experiences
and techniques to China, Japan can also harvest returns."
The Chinese government has made bold plans to cut its energy
consumption per every unit of GDP by 20 percent in the 11th
Five-Year Plan (2006-2010). According to Xie, this year through
September, the consumption was reduced by a further 3.46 percent.
China's State Council (cabinet) on Nov. 9 announced an additional
central government investment this year to stimulate economic
growth. According to Xie, 18 billion yuan of the 100 billion yuan
package is expected to be used in pollution treatment, ecological
preservation and energy conservation.
Toshihiro Nikai, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan,
said cooperation in the environmental protection sector has become
the main highlight of economic ties between China and Japan.
Editor:Zhang Ning