Former Chinese vice premier: China, Japan, ROK "mutually complementary"

BEIJING, April 28 (Xinhua) -- China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) can complement one another in sustainable development, said former Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen on Monday.

All the three have advantages in sustainable development and their differences can provide huge potential for cooperation, Qian said in a speech at the third session of the Northeast Asia Trilateral Forum here.

Japan has developed advanced technologies and made remarkable achievements in energy saving and emission reduction, the ROK is experienced in economic rejuvenation and coordinated development, while China boasts a vast market for the two neighbors, said Qian.

China plans to cut energy intensity by 20 percent and emissions of major pollutants by 10 percent by 2010. The government has allocated 41.8 billion yuan (about 5.97 billion U.S. dollars) this year for those goals.

Qian urged the three to enhance political mutual trust and expand their common interests by equally participating in regional cooperation that is practical, diversified and open.

"Despite differences in their natural conditions, history, society and development levels, the three countries share connections in geography, people, culture and economics," he said.

Apart from inter-government cooperation, exchanges among academicians and business figures should also be strengthened to promote integrated regional development, he said.

The forum, cosponsored by the Xinhua News Agency of China, Nikkei of Japan and the leading ROK daily Joong Ang Ilbo, was a regional platform for celebrities from political, business and academic circles to promote people-to-people exchanges.

Its third session, held from Sunday to Monday, attracted more than 40 former high-ranking officials and prominent figures from China, Japan and the ROK.