China and Japan are getting closer in cooperation in energy conservation and sustainable development by signing a number of new contracts using Japan's technologies to cut China's energy consumption.

In the third edition of a China-Japan energy conservation forum held here Friday, a total of 19 contracts are signed between government institutions and companies from both countries, covering a wide range of subjects from sewage treatment to garbage recycling and emission reduction.

Both countries realized energy conservation is where they can work together to achieve mutual benefit against a backdrop of world economic recession and heightening global warming.

"Cutting energy consumption and emission is an urgent task facing the Chinese government," said Xie Zhenhua, vice director of China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), adding "in this regard, Japan has a lot of experiences to share."

Xie said the country was in the process of industrialization and urbanization when emissions were usually high, a natural rule experienced by rich nations earlier.

"Japan has undergone the same phase China is experiencing and now possesses cutting-edge technologies in many areas such as garbage and sewage treatment," Xie said. "By transferring the experiences and techniques to China, Japan can also harvest returns."

The Chinese government has made bold plans to cut its energy consumption per every unit of GDP by 20 percent in the 11th Five- Year Plan (2006-2010). According to Xie, this year through September, the consumption was reduced by a further 3.46 percent.

China's State Council (cabinet) on Nov. 9 announced an additional central government investment this year to stimulate economic growth. According to Xie, 18 billion yuan of the 100 billion yuan package is expected to be used in pollution treatment, ecological preservation and energy conservation.

Toshihiro Nikai, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, said cooperation in the environmental protection sector has become the main highlight of economic ties between China and Japan.

(Xinhua News Agency November 28, 2008)