On March 16, Zhou Jian, SEPA Vice Minister met with Prof. Schwab, Chairman of the World Economic Forum and other three persons in Beijing. Both sides exchanged views on Summer Davos-Dalian, discussed the relation between the Forum and global environmental affairs, and showed the willingness to intensify cooperation in the environment field and to promote the development of global environment cause together.

Vice Minister Zhou gave a warm welcome to Prof. Schwab for his visit to SEPA and congratulated on the success of 2007 Davos meeting. Mr. Zhou said that SEPA had been concerned with the actions of the Forum, which produces a group of famous arguments and publishes many works recognized as definitive in the economic field, greatly influencing the world economic growth. Up to now, one quarter of the Forum's members come from developing nations, including 28 Chinese enterprises. China expects more Chinese enterprises to involve in this event.

Vice Minister Zhou said that Chinese Government has paid great attention to the environmental protection. Premier Wen Jiabao clearly stated in these days that the Government would introduce a group of substantial measures to enable equal attention is paid to environmental protection and economic growth and to keep both to develop side by side. By 2010, with the annual GDP growth rate at 7.5%, the energy consumption per unit GDP will have been down by 20%, and the total emissions of major pollutants will have decreased by 10%. Beside the disincentive targets, the Government will also introduce a string of key measures on environmental legal construction, environmental economic policies, technological advances and development of environmental industry.

Vice Minister Zhou Jian said China would spend about 1.53 trillion yuan in environmental protection over 2006-2010, almost doublingthat during the 10^th Five-Year Plan period. In the next five years, China will experience a remarkable change in the environmental and energy conditions, which China believe will have great impacts on the development of environment and energy around the world.

Mr. Schwab said he admired China for her achievements in environmental protection, hoped that China would show her efforts and results in this regard to the world through forums, and expected a success of the cooperation with SEPA.