E3G’s work on EU-China cooperation continues to grow. Following the successful conceptualisation and demonstration of case studies of Low Carbon Zones, E3G, in cooperation with China International Investment Promotion Agency (CIIPA) conducted a feasibility study on Low Carbon Technology and Investment Demonstration Zones (LCTIDZs).
The concept of a Low Carbon Economy has recently gained greater prominence internationally as a result of the impacts of climate change on the environment, economic development and social stability. Therefore, the development of a low carbon economy not only has implications for policy and technology, it can also lead to deeper structural economic and industrial changes and transformation of consumption patterns.
EU-China LCTIDZs aim to explore China-specific technology development pathways and strategies to promote low carbon development.
It will hopefully provide a good foundation for future policy exchanges and collaborations between the relevant departments in China and the EU, and cooperation between businesses in both regions.
The report available to download above, was officially launched at the 13th China International Fair for Investment and Trade held in Xiamen on September 10, 2009. An excerpt from the Press Release by CIIPA is below.
Promotion of Low Carbon Investment Cooperation and Industrial Upgrading and Restructuring
An important agenda of the conference is the launch of the Report of Feasibility Study on EU-China Low Carbon Technology and Investment Demonstration Zones. This Report is jointly prepared by China International Investment Promotion Agency (CIIPA) and E3G and recommends, inter alia, Pingliang City and Nanjing Yangtze River Industrial Development Zoneas potential demonstration zones. It also explores future project/investment opportunities for major European low carbon technology and investment companies in the relevant cities in China. CIIPA hopes to use the Report as an important guidance for domestic investment promotion agencies and economic zones to promote international cooperation on low carbon technology and investment.
Low carbon economy refers to a new economic development model that is signified by low carbon emission and low carbon consumption. Faced with the concerns of climate change and energy security, international community has widely accepted the role of low carbon economy as the future model of sustainable development; low carbon technology and low carbon development capacity will also become the focus of competition for international investment and technology. The development of low carbon economy is fully coherent to the national aim of constructing a ‘resource saving and environmental friendly’ society, and is also consistent with the strategic plan to transform future economic growth model as envisaged by the Party Central Committee and the State Council. As a result, taking into account China’s actual conditions, it is imperative for China to actively promote indigenous innovation and carry out extensive international cooperation.
CIIPA will act in accordance to the national strategy and will promote international cooperation through investment to obtain international advanced experiences, technologies and finances. This can be achieved via low carbon technology and investment cooperation demonstrations and can contribute to China’s sustainable, science-based and harmonious development.
ENDS