China's green industries boost economy

The energy saving and environmental protection industry, as one of the emerging industries in China, has become a major impetus for economic development in central and western China, an expert said during a conference held on July 26.

The first International Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Industries Promotion Conference of the Central and Western Regions (IPCW) was held in Beijing on July 26. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Li Junyang, general secretary of the International Energy Conservation Environmental Protection Association (IEEPA) made the remark during the first International Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Industries Promotion Conference of the Central and Western Regions (IPCW) in Beijing.

The central and western areas of China, which used to be economically underdeveloped regions, have received large amounts of investment, as China rolls out more preferential policies for the regions concerning financial and infrastructure projects.

However, fast economic growth will inevitably lead to massive use of energy and environmental pollution problems. Hou Chunyun, deputy director of the Development Research Center of the State Council, pointed out that the central and western areas should stick to sustainable development. "We should never sacrifice the environment for the sake of economic growth," he said.

Li Junyang noted that the green industry will create many jobs in various fields, including energy-saving technologies and equipment, green products as well as energy conservation services. The green industry will be an impetus for local economic development.

Li said that it would be difficult for green enterprises in central and western China to achieve rapid growth due to their small scales and lack of competitiveness.

"The enterprises should introduce more advanced technologies and strengthen cooperation with international organizations," he said.

The IPCW conference aims to boost the development of green industries, and promote the application of energy-saving and environmental protection technologies in central and western China. The conference gives cities and areas a platform to seek advanced smog control technologies and discover reasonable measures to deal with air pollution.