Electricity, transportation focus of energy co-op

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-06-18 11:16

ANNAPOLIS, United States -- China and the United States have identified power generation, transportation and three other areas as priorities under a 10-year framework of energy and environment protection cooperation, a Chinese official said Tuesday.

The two sides are pushing for the formulation of action plans in the five areas, Zhang Xiaoqiang, vice minister in charge of China's National Development and Reform Commission, told reporters here on the sidelines of the ongoing fourth round of the Sino-US Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED), in Annapolis, Maryland.

The five areas are the promotion of energy efficiency during power generation, promotion of energy efficiency in transportation and green-house gas reduction, the treatment of water pollution, the treatment of air pollution and the preservation of wetlands and forest resources, he said.

"During the SED discussions, both sides expressed the willingness to identify projects in the five areas so as to achieve practical results at an early date," Zhang said.

China and the United States reached consensus on a 10-year framework of energy and environmental protection at the previous SED last December.

The two sides are expected to sign an agreement on the framework after this SED.

Zhang noted that energy and environment protection cooperation is an area where the two nations have many common interests and challenges.

Successful cooperation within the framework will benefit both countries and contribute to the improvement of the world's environment, he added.

The two-day meeting that started on June 17 will also address issues of developing and protecting human capital, the benefits of trade and open markets, enhancing investment as well as financial and macroeconomic management.

The meeting is co-chaired by visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan and US Secretary of Finance Henry Paulson.

They act as special representatives of the state leaders of the two countries.

Participants of the two-day meeting include minister-level officials and other senior officials from the two governments.