The two countries signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SEPA and the US EPA on Scientific and Technical Co-operation in the Field of the Environment in Washington a year ago.

The two sides also approved a strategy that promised co-operation on water safety, pollution, and a compensation system on water quality between upstream and downstream users under a Water Pollution Annex to the MOU.

In April this year, during Johnson's first visit to China as chief of the US EPA, an annex on hazardous waste to the MOU was signed in Beijing, marking an all-around launch of environmental co-operation under the MOU.

The ADB and China have also kept close relations in co-operation on environmental protection in China.

Last week, Bindu Lohani, director-general of the regional sustainable development department of the ADB, was awarded the title of Green Celebrity of the Year 2006 for helping China in capability building of its five regional environmental protection supervision centres.

"As a regional organization with an extensive economic development programme in China, ADB has a strategic plan to promote sustainable development and environmental protection in China," said Toru Shibuichi, country director of ADB.

"ADB is sure there will be many benefits to be gained from furthering this tripartite collaboration," he said.

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