China, Japan to Cooperate More in Energy
Conservation
Nov 28 - BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific
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 per cent in the 11th Five- Year Plan (2006-2010).
According to Xie, this year through September, the consumption was reduced
by a further 3.46 per cent.
China's State Council (cabinet) on Nov. 9 announced an additional central
government investment this year to stimulate economic growth. According to
Xie, 18bn yuan of the 100bn 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.
Originally published by Xinhua news agency, Beijing, in English 0756 28 Nov
08.
(c) 2008 BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific. Provided by ProQuest
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