I am honored to be appointed to the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development. Although I am a newcomer, I am already aware that this is a unique institution which began as an experiment in the early 1990's and has evolved into a highly successful environmental and development policy forum.

What strikes me most is that the success of this Council is that it has been very responsive to the Chinese priorities and emerging conditions that would have direct implications on environment and development in China.

This year, the China Council has chosen a particularly daunting theme but, after reviewing the excellent work of the Lead Experts and of the Task Forces reporting this year, I am confident that the Council has the potential to again produce policy recommendations which will be of immediate value to the Government of China as it continues its efforts to create a well-off society in a way which does not compromise China's environmental future.

The topics examined by the Task Forces reporting this year, namely the sustainable use of coal, environmental investment, circular economy, sustainable business practices, and the development of environmental protection industries, have been well chosen and no doubt have already generated many additional ideas in the minds of Council Members.

Despite this positive note, I am aware that many experts, both Chinese and international, sense that China is entering a critical period of its development where incorrect growth strategies now could soon lead to irretrievable damage to the environment. I am also aware that there is a debate in China over the extent to which industrial growth should at this time be influenced by environmental considerations. I look forward to hearing the debate on these issues over the next three days.

Fortunately, the Government of China, with the strong support of SEPA, is keenly aware of the environmental challenges now facing China.

Although the challenges are daunting, there is reason for optimism. China has already achieved a great deal in the area of sustainable industrialization which I am sure will become readily apparent when later this morning we hear the presentations from Zhejiang Province and from the Anshan Iron and Steel Group.

These tangible domestic experiences in the area of sustainable industrialization, when combined with the wealth of knowledge of Council Members and Task Force experts on the subject, further strengthens my optimism that this China Council meeting will make a very positive contribution to the Government of China's decision-making in this important area.

Before closing, I would like to congratulate Minister Xie as co-winner of this year's prestigious UNEP Sasakawa Environment Price. I am sure you all agree that this is well deserved given the leadership he has provided to this Council over the past decade.