Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said green economy and inclusive growth are among "the most important issues of our time, because only sustainable development and ecological modernization of the economy can secure the livelihood of future generations".

Gerhard Schroeder, former chancellor of Germany attends the opening ceremony of Eco-Forum, Guiyang, in the capital city of Guizhou Province Friday July 27, 2012. [Photo by Wang Jing/China Daily]

He made the remarks Friday at the Eco-Forum Global, Guiyang that opened on July 27 in Guiyang, capital of Guizhou province.

He also said that China "can and will" play a positive role in ecological modernization.

He added that China and Europe have great potential for cooperation in terms of environmentally friendly development.

"It is in our common interest that China and Europe should work closely together," he said. "This will lead to mutual benefit, which is the consequence of globalization."

Europe can be a partner of China, providing technical know-how with regard to ecological modernization, which is also in the interest of Europe, because "without progress in China, the prevention of climate change and creation of a sustainable energy supply cannot be achieved", he said.