Recently, the French ambassador to China Laurent BILI sent a letter to the full-time vice president of the IEEPA Li Junyang, highly appreciating the joint efforts of the two countries in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and expressed the hope that IEEPA would continue to play an active role in Sino-French cooperation in ecological transformation, especially in ecological economy, environmental sustainable urbanization and other specific projects.

The Letter From French Ambassador to China to the International Ecological Economy Promotion Association (Note: the original letter is on the left and the translation on the right)

The ambassador said in his letter that China and France have been working together in promoting ecological transformation so closely and been increasingly active in joint action to combat climate change and biodiversity protection. On November 6th, 2019, President Xi Jinping and President Macron jointly issued  

Beijing Call for Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change

 , indicating the highest-level commitment of the two countries in these fields.

According to Li, since the COVID-19 outbreak, the two countries have supported each other and united together in response to the pandemic, and the joint fight against COVID-19 has once again highlighted the long-term friendly and cooperative relationship between the two governments and social groups. In the face of the outbreak, in order to give full play to the role of all sectors of society, both countries need to bring their professional organizations’ own effect into full play, prepare for social organizations to participate in government work and undertake social responsibilities. It is not enough for any country or society to rely solely on the power of the government for social governance. Channels, mechanisms and methods are necessary to make full use of social forces. The International Ecological Economy Promotion Association is ready to join hands with French governmental organizations, Non-Governmental organizations, scientific and business communities to fulfill the real needs of people as members of an intimate community of shared destiny with concrete actions and jointly defeat the pandemic.

Li also revealed that the IEEPA was formulating related plans, intending to hold the 2020 World Ecology Conferences (WEC), which would continue to strive to push the world in green ecological development pattern transformation, liaising with all walks of life to address the global issues of climate change and environmental degradation caused by human activities and economic development, which are closely related to the healthy development of ecological civilization.

Edmond Alphandéry, chairman of the Euro 50 Group(G50), former French finance minister, also served as director of foreign counselors of IEEPA, praised the World Ecology Conferences led by IEEPA which has an international perspective, for its practical significance of proposing suggestions to the government in the field of politics and economic and environmental solutions for enterprise development through discussions of experts and scholars from participating countries.

No.60, Tianze Road, Liangmaqiao, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100600 Tel. 8531 2000 Fax. 8531 2090

Thank you for your warm message on the National Day of France.

As you said in the letter, France and China have been collaborating in the fight against COVID-19. In addition, we have been working together in promoting ecological transformation so closely and been increasingly active in joint action to combat climate change and biodiversity protection. On last year’s November 6th, President Xi Jinping and President Macron jointly issued Beijing Call for Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change, indicating the highest-level commitment of the two countries in these fields.

I am convinced, as well, of the importance of our bilateral cooperation on sustainable urbanization, especially in specific projects such as the France-China Wuhan Ecological Demonstration City. Like other areas of ecological transformation, bilateral intergovernmental cooperation on this topic needs to be enriched by active interaction between enterprises of the two countries and promoted by associations like IEEPA.

Letter From French Ambassador to the IEEPA ：Promoting Ecological Cooperation Between China and France for A New Chapter of Common Eco-development

Teshome Toga, the Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, visited IEPPA and held discussions about cooperation.

With the improvement of infrastructure and the increase of demands in the energy field, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia nowadays has become one of the most fast-growing economies in Africa.

On June 11th, 2020, Teshome Toga, the Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to China, together with the Minister, Asaye Alemayehu, as well as the First Secretary, Yonathan Ghebremedin Simon, visited the International Ecological Economy Promotion Association(IEEPA). The Acting Vice President, Li Junyang, met with the delegation. They exchanged ideas on cooperation in the fields of clean energy, infrastructure construction, ecological city planning, etc.

According to Teshome Toga, since the reform and opening up, China's economy has developed rapidly for 40 years, which can be a valuable learning experience for Ethiopia. Ethiopia had not paid much attention to the ecological development of enterprises in the past, however, they have realized the importance of ecological developments and bewared that they must adopt a model of sustainable developments, aiming at enhancing the ability to cope with ecological restoration and climate changes. Currently, Ethiopia is using clean energy for power supply and has set a goal of achieving zero emission by 2025.

During the meeting, Teshome Toga said that there are many Chinese enterprises in Ethiopia, especially in the field of energy, where opportunities and challenges co-exist. Meanwhile, Ethiopia is gradually incorporating the concept of sustainable development into businesses in hope of environmental protection. The government is adjusting approaches to achieve a win-win situation for both business explorations and sustainable developments. So far, Ethiopia has provided one-stop services for foreign-invested enterprises, bringing opportunities for investments to Ethiopia's neighboring countries, including Djibouti, Sudan, etc. Witnessing great potentials in the energy market of Ethiopia, the government supports the developments of the renewable energy industry and welcomes investments from private capitals and public-private joint ventures. In the five-year plan of Ethiopia for energy developments, renewable energy will be used to increase the national electricity supply by 2020. This is what Ethiopia has committed to climate changes. Among all, hydro-power will be developed as the main energy channel in Ethiopia. Meanwhile, considerable amount of wind energy, geothermal energy, solar energy and biomass energy will also be explored in the near future. In terms of investment models, Ethiopia carries out infrastructure construction with the cooperation of the government and social capital ("PPP" for short). Ethiopia promulgated thelaw of PPP in February 2018, promoting investments and financing models in social infrastructure. 

According to the Acting Vice President of IEEPA, Li Junyang, economical developments require the enthusiasm of the public, while the synergetic relationship between environmental protection and economic developments requires the positive guidance of the government . Furthermore, the ultimate goal of economical prosperity is to nurture the good nature of man, which should always be seen as the fundamental motivation. From the perspective of market, Li had two main suggestions as to Ethiopia's economic developments. Firstly, at the beginning of policy-making, the government needn’t formulate economic policies which are too detailed and specific. The key is to encourage the market to take a first try and then gradually implement relevant regulations. If there were too many constraints in the first place, the vitality in the market will be reduced and the development of economy will be stunted. Secondly, it is necessary to make an overall plan for the environment, energy, minerals, etc. Moderate explosion and proper application is very important, because the resources belong to its country and people. Resources within the country can cater to the basic need for survival and production, as well as provide a living environment. Environmental protection and Ecological maintenance is the top issue, therefore, certain controls and management must be taken by the government. China used to take the wrong path of "pollution first, treatment next". For example, the policy of mining in the past was focused on exploitation instead of protection, which caused serious consequences afterwards. This wrong experience can be a useful lesson for Ethiopia. 

To  Li’s  belief, although great potentials for investment can be found in the field of infrastructure construction and urban planning in Ethiopia, China has encountered certain problems with the PPP model when investing and providing finances. The PPP model focuses on the sustainability of local finance, which can later assure the sustainability of joint ventures with private enterprises. However, from a practical perspective, it is easier said than done. Difficulties in management can bring certain instability. For instance, because the return of funds cannot be guaranteed, some contracts cannot be executed according to the previous agreement and many private enterprises end up with bankruptcy. Therefore, PPP may not be the most ideal model for investment and financing. However, as to enterprise developments, it seems unnecessary to stick to one certain model, because the market should be the key element in decision-making, given that sustainability and stability of projects should count the most. 

Teshome Toga expressed his appreciation for Li Junyang’s suggestions. He concluded that what Ethiopia has done is aimed at improving business environments. Teshome sincerely invited the members of the International Ecological Economy Promotion Association to visit Ethiopia in the future and look for new opportunists for cooperation after epidemic ends.

In the end of meeting, the two sides agreed for achieving the win-win development of the economic and environment by cooperation between the two countries. The delegation of IEPPA will look for opportunities to visit Ethiopia in the near future.

Teshome Toga, the Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, visited IEPPA and held discussions about cooperation.

With China's efforts to tackle novel coronavirus' impact on its economy bearing fruit, more business cooperation between Serbia and China is in the pipeline, according to a Serbian official.

Milan Bacevic, Serbian ambassador to China, said efforts to facilitate business cooperation between the two countries are expected in the future. Bacevic said now is a good time for Chinese companies in the ecology sector to invest in Serbia, as the country has big demand for projects related to environmental protection and new energy.

Bacevic also said China's effective measures in controlling the epidemic and stemming the virus from spreading further, along with its efforts to send experts to other countries for support, have offered valuable experience and great lessons to the world.

Serbia firmly supports China's work in epidemic prevention and control, and is willing to offer further help, Bacevic added.

The remarks were made during a meeting between a delegate from the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia and the International Ecological Economy Promotion Association, a non-governmental organization in China aimed at promoting cooperation in ecology in global markets.

Li Junyang, specialized vice-president of IEEPA, said the association is willing to encourage and support member companies to cooperate with Serbian peers in technology and projects in the areas of ecology and environmental protection.

Li said sufficient funding, advanced technologies and sustainable business models are the keys for successful business cooperation in the areas of ecology, environmental protection and new energy. He added Chinese companies are concerned about stable income when cooperating with governments from overseas.

IEEPA-Serbia cooperation expected for near future

Integrating Swiss Innovation with China's Ecological Economy

From the white Jungfrau to the crystal clear Geneva Lake, Switzerland is known for its beautiful scenery. It is no doubt that ecological protection in Switzerland is of tremendous importance to both the government and the civil society. At the same time, the Swiss economy is also at the forefront of Europe with both globally renowned consumer brands such as Nestle, and the most famous high-tech biotechnology park in Europe, such as the Bio Alps.

 Switzerland's innovation is world-famous. China has also firmly moved towards the path of developing an ecological economy to further improve its civilization. The world-class innovation and eco-economic development models are combined to provide a broader stage for building sustainable economic and environmental development.

On July 23, 2018, Li Junyang, executive Vice President of the International Eco-Economic Association (IEEPA), and H.E. Jean-Jacques de Dardel, the Swiss ambassador to China, held talks on the theme of China's eco-economy and Swiss innovation cooperation.

Vice-President Li Junyang pointed out that Switzerland, as the first country to recognize China as a market economy, has extensive contacts with China. Switzerland, as one of the most highly developed countries in Europe, has rich scientific and technological accumulation in environmental equipment, bio-pharmaceuticals and green buildings. Switzerland, with its strong innovation ability, has a strong attraction to China's vast ecological industry. The establishment of connections through creating long term bridges between Chinese and Swiss companies will certainly promote Swiss technological innovation and the Chinese market to achieve more results through greater co-operation.

Ambassador H.E. Jean-Jacques de Dardel pointed out that Switzerland's leading position in the field of technological innovation is inseparable from the pragmatic working attitude of the Swiss people. The Swiss Embassy is willing to carry on with its pragmatic cooperation with the Association to promote Swiss high-tech enterprises and technologies to China, to achieve more development results in China's ecological economy and to bring mutual benefits to both nations.

The two sides also exchanged a project plan for the Swiss-Beijing Centre, which is being led by the Swiss government and supported at high level of China government. Currently in the process of promotion, Vice President Li Junyang said that IEEPA will actively support the project in all aspects. Vice President Li Junyang also introduced IEEPA’s work plan to promote its course innovatively. 

Finally, Ambassador H.E Jean-Jacques de Dardel said that the Swiss Embassy will attend the 2018 Beijing World Environmental (Economy and Environment) Conference held in Beijing this September and is willing to use the conference platform to further promote cooperation between the two nations. 

Integrating Swiss Innovation with China's Ecological Economy

On June 20, Mr. Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, met with Hon. C.T. Frolick, National Assembly Chairperson of South Africa and IEEPA Foreign Senior Advisor, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Mr. Li Zhanshu pointed out that the concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness put forward by President Xi Jinping were well implemented in Sino-African cooperation, and new achievements were made in Sino-African traditional friendship. More and more African friends speak highly of China's outstanding achievements and advanced experience. China is willing to strengthen exchanges of experience in governance and administration with African countries, including South Africa, to achieve common development between China and Africa.

Mr. Li Zhanshu said that Sino-South African relations are a model of friendly cooperation between developing countries and emerging countries. It is hoped that the two countries will take the opportunity of 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations as part of the Beijing Summit of the BRICs countries and the China-Africa Cooperation forum to jointly promote the construction of the "one belt and one road" initiative, strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the legislature departments on each side, and push forward the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and South Africa to a higher level.

Hon. C.T. Frolick said that China is a sincere friend of African countries. South Africa is willing to strengthen cooperation with China under the China Africa Cooperation Forum and the BRICs mechanism to promote the comprehensive development of bilateral relations.

Mr. Li Zhanshu Meets with Hon. C.T. Frolick, National Assembly Chairperson of South Africa and IEEPA Foreign Senior Advisor, at the Great Hall of the People