Q: Are you confident that the country will meet its pollution control target ?

A: The central government has made it compulsory to cut discharge of major pollutants by 10 percent for the country's economic and social development in the 11th Five-Year Program period. The solemn commitment indicates the central authorities had considered environmental protection strategically important to the country's long-term growth and to the interests of the people.

The SEPA has signed responsibility contracts with provincial governments and six State power groups, including the China Huaneng Group, to reduce the discharge of pollutants. The SEPA has also released guidelines on the allowance quotas of wastewater discharge and sulphur dioxide emissions.

Q: Some media reports claim you have been promoted the first vice-minister of the SEPA. Is it true?

A: I'm now a vice-minister because two SEPA vice-ministers have just retired, so you can't say I was promoted. However, promoted or not, it doesn't matter so long as I can work for the country and the people.

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