Japan, China to promote energy-saving projects

China and Japan will work together to promote 47 energy-saving projects, Jiji Press reported on Tuesday.

The two countries signed the project agreements on Monday as the seventh Sino-Japan Energy Saving and Environment Protection Forum kicked off in Tokyo.

According to Xinhua News Agency, the 47 projects include an experiment to create a smart community in China, sludge treatment and semiconductor lighting.

Zhang Ping, director of the National Development and Reform Commission and Yukio Edano, Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister, participated in the opening ceremony of the forum.

Speaking at the meeting, Zhang said energy-saving cooperation has highlighted economic exchanges between Beijing and Tokyo, especially when the global economic climate is gloomy.

Edano echoed Zhang's remarks, saying the energy-saving and environment fields are an engine of trade growth for both countries.

The bilateral forum on energy conservation, which began in 2006, is an important mechanism for dialogues on how to enhance cooperation between China and Japan on energy-saving efforts. A total of 171 deals were signed during past meetings.