The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) opened its China office on Friday in Beijing to strengthen its cooperation with the nation in the field of environmental protection.

At the opening ceremony, UNEP Executive Director Klaus Toepfer cited China's large population, its rapid economic development and the more prominent role it plays in the world as reasons for opening the office.

Personnel at the office will work closely with China's State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) and other ministries, international agencies and non-governmental organizations to cover various environment-related issues, according to a source with UNEP.

They will also develop and support projects under the Global Environment Facility, an international fund to address key global environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity and land degradation.

SEPA Vice-Minister Zhu Guangyao said at the ceremony the office will get full support from the Chinese side.

Earlier on Friday, the first Asia-Pacific Sub-regional Environmental Policy Dialogue was held in Beijing, The round table meeting was attended by ministers and environmental experts.

Representatives discussed strategies for environmental protection in the Asia-Pacific region and other related issues.

(China Daily September 20, 2003)