China commits to building eco-civilization: Xi

GUIYANG - China will commit to its international obligations and work with countries around the world to build an eco-civilization for a better Earth, President Xi Jinping said in a congratulatory letter to an environmental forum on Saturday.

In the letter, Xi extended his congratulations on the opening of the Eco Forum Global Annual Conference 2013, which was held in Guiyang, capital city of southwest China's Guizhou Province.

He said the forum concentrates on the international community's common concerns about building an eco-civilization. He expressed his belief that the results of the forum will make positive contributions to protecting the global environment.

The president said building a beautiful China is an important part of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation.

China will work in line with the idea of respecting, complying with and protecting nature, and implement the national policy of saving resources and protecting the environment, so as to promote green, recycling and low-carbon development, he said.

He said that to leave a good environment for future generations, China will incorporate building an ecological civilization into its economic, political, cultural and social development, and shape the industrial structure, production mode and people's lifestyles in the spirit of saving resources and protecting the environment.

Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli attended the forum. He said building an eco-civilization is of great significance to China's construction of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and the Chinese dream of realizing national revival. "It is also conducive to the sustainable development of the world."

He called on all parties to make joint efforts to enhance international exchanges and cooperation, so as to make positive contributions to building a good environment on Earth.

Swiss President Ueli Maurer, Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Tongan Prime Minister Siale'ataonga Tu'ivakano, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Nivatthamrong Boonsongpaisal and former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi attended the opening ceremony and delivered keynote speeches.

The Eco Forum Global, held from Friday to Sunday, is an independent international organization committed to improving the world by engaging business, political, academic and other leaders in the shaping of global, regional and industry agendas.

The theme of the annual conference in 2013 is "Building an eco-civilization: green transformation and transition -- green industry-, green urbanization- and green consumption-led sustainable development."

About 4,000 guests from China and abroad have been invited to attend the annual conference of the forum.