Nano-fiber center to boost China's green economy

The Global Innovation Center for Nano-Fiber Application, or GICNA, was established in Beijing Saturday as a co-operational platform for low-carbon technologies in a bid to spur nano-tech application in the country's green development, April 27, 2013. [He Yini / chinadaily.com.cn]

The Global Innovation Center for Nano-Fiber Application, or GICNA, was established in Beijing Saturday as a co-operational platform for low-carbon technologies in a bid to spur nano-tech application in the country's green development.

The GICNA, co-launched by Czech Nafigate Corp and the International Energy Conservation Environmental Protection Association, a non-governmental organization contributing to energy conservation and sustainable development in China, is set to offer innovative solutions for clean water resources, clean air and energy conservation in the country.

Wang Yuqing, deputy director of the CPPCC Committee of Population, Resources and Environment, addresses the launching ceremony at the Czech Embassy in Beijing, April 27, 2013. [He Yini / chinadaily.com.cn]

The move came as an answer to China's growing call for technological innovations in green environment initiatives. The country has faced pressure due to environmental and natural resources deterioration amid ongoing industrialization and urbanization.

"Green development is an irreversible trend, and China has to go with the tide to seek sustainable economic growth," said Wang Yuqing, deputy director of the CPPCC Committee of Population, Resources and Environment.

"Nano-fiber application, as a cutting-edge technology worldwide, has huge market potential to aid China's environmental protection and energy conservation," Wang added.

China has stepped up investment in environmental protection and energy conservation in the past few years. According to Wang, the country has pumped 2.1 trillion yuan ($340.7 billion) into the field during the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10) period. By 2015, the number will reach 3.4 trillion yuan.

The environmental protection industry has been booming, with an annual growth rate of 15 percent over the past 12 years ending 2011. Its industrial output is expected to exceed 4.5 trillion yuan by 2015.