Green economy urged amid restructuring

Green development will help China upgrade its industries and restructure its growth model, officials said on Friday.

A new industrial and technological revolution, featuring a green economy and low-carbon technology, is taking place as the country faces growing resource and environment constraints, said Han Qide, vice-chairman of the National People's Congress, at China International Green Innovative Products & Technologies Show 2012, held in Guangzhou from Friday to Sunday.

He added that China is now actively advancing "ecological civilization", which is indispensable to its sustainable development.

"Green development, through adjusting industrial structure and shifting economic growth model, is the only way for China to strengthen its sustainable development," said Xie Zhenhua, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission.

Renata Lok-Dessallien, resident coordinator of the UN System in China and resident representative of UNDP China, said she expects China's economic development to be "much greener".

"We are delighted that here in China, the same commitment that resulted in China's economic miracle has now been focused on making its growth and social progress environmentally sustainable. Significant domestic policy shifts toward green growth have been made," she said.

Daniel J.Dudek, vice-president of the Environmental Defense Fund, said that China "did a good job in setting a governmental policy framework for green sectors ... and that gives confidence to overseas investors in China's green and environmental business".

"A green economy not only reduces emission but also expands market demands," said Wu Xiaoqing, vice-minister of the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

The green and low-carbon sector is promising in China.

Production in industries aimed at energy conservation and environment protection will reach 4.5 trillion yuan ($720 billion) by 2015, while total production of environment services will hit 500 billion yuan.

Contact the writers at lijiabao@chinadaily.com.cn qiuquanlin@chinadaily.com.cn