Vice Minister Zhao Yingmin met with Andrew Petter, President of Canada-based Simon Fraser University (SFU), in Beijing on Nov. 7. The two sides exchanged views on protecting the ecological environment, deepening cooperation between SFU and China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED), and other issues.

Zhao began by extending warm welcome to the delegation headed by Andrew Petter and gave a brief introduction to China’s environmental protection work. The CPC 19th National Congress has made a major judgment that the socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, clarified that the principal contradiction facing the Chinese society has evolved into one between unbalanced and inadequate development and the people's ever-growing needs for a better life, and proposed to build China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful. The new requirement for the protection of the ecological environment and the building of ecological civilization for now and for a period of time to come is to provide more quality ecological goods to meet people's ever-growing demands for a beautiful environment.

Zhao noted that the CCICED has made outstanding contributions to China’s environmental protection and sustainable development, since it was founded. The sixth phase of the Council which was initiated this year will build on previous successful experience and effective operation model, highlight innovation and inclusiveness, and contribute to the global environmental governance.

Zhao extended gratitude to the SFU for its support as one of the implementing agencies of the CCICED to the Secretariat. He also hoped that SFU take full advantage of its intellectual resources and support the Council as always.

Andrew Petter appreciated China’s far-sighted and strategic plans in advancing the sustainable development in China and would like to make greater contributions to the new phase of the Council.