On December 12, 2012, Vice Premier of the State Council and Chairperson of China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED) Li Keqiang met in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse with foreign guests attending the 2012 Annual General Meeting of China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development.
Li said at the meeting that issues of environment and development are a common challenge for mankind and the promotion of ecological progress is in the interest of all countries. China is the largest developing country in the world; as it seeks environmental protection and development at the same time, it must strengthen cooperation with other countries. Li added that China will continue to shoulder its international obligations and work with all other sides to advance the sustainable development of mankind in accordance with the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, and respective capabilities.
Li pointed out that there has been no precedence in the whole of human history to pursue a modernization agenda in a country of 1.3 billion people. And it is also a universal challenge when it comes to preserving the ecological system on a vast land. Therefore, the promotion of ecological progress in a modernized China is a totally new task for the country. Facing both unprecedented opportunities and challenges, the vice premier said, China should not only be fully aware of the difficulties ahead, but also have full confidence in achieving the goals. Such ecological concepts like respecting nature, adapting to nature, and protecting nature will gradually take root in China as the country strives to integrate ecological progress into its modernization drive to achieve economic development, improvement of people's livelihood and ecological progress at the same time.
Li said that China’s modernization drive and promotion of ecological progress both aim at achieving comprehensive development of human beings. They are not only in the interest of the Chinese people but also contribute to the sustainable development of the whole world. As China pursues industrialization, urbanization, informationization, and rural modernization simultaneously, Li added, a great potential in domestic demand waits to be developed. China welcomes investors from different countries to start environment-friendly enterprises in China. He also expressed his hope that members to the new CCICED would offer valuable suggestions on ecological progress in China.
Mr. Peter Kent, CCICED Executive Vice Chairperson, said that as China elevated ecological progress into its national strategy, a great contribution was made to the cause of global ecological progress. As a foreign member to CCICED, Mr. Kent also expressed his readiness to offer consultative services to assist China in its transformation and modernization.