The Second Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference Opens in Qingdao
Jointly sponsored by the National Energy Administration of China and Shandong Provincial Government, the Second Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference, themed "Join Hands towards a Greener and More Inclusive Energy Future", opened at Qingdao International Convention Center on October 18. Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng addressed the conference via video link at Beijing. Zhang Jianhua, minister of the National Energy Administration of China and Zhou Naixiang, acting governor of Shandong Province, attended the opening ceremony.
In his speech, Zhou Naixiang said the Belt and Road is an important initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping in accordance with both the domestic and the international situation and the global cooperation trend. Energy is the foundation and impetus of civilization and progress of human being and the important material basis of the economic and social development as well, Zhou said. In the future, we will implement carbon peak and carbon neutrality strategy and promote revolution in energy consumption, supply, technology and system, said Mr. Zhou, adding that the provincial government will encourage development of clean energy including offshore wind power and hydrogen energy, promote electricity, oil and gas market-oriented reform and build a clean, low-carbon, safe and efficient modern energy system to boost the green transformation of the economic and social development. Following the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, we would further expand exchanges and cooperation with countries along Belt and Road in economy, trade, S & T, culture and education and promote together green development of conventional energy and large-scale development of new energy, Mr. Zhou added.
Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, the United Nations ESCAP Executive Secretary, delivered a speech via video link, Lin Shanqing, vice minister of the National Energy Administration of China, presided over the opening ceremony, Wang Shujian, vice governor of Shandong Province, Lu Zhiyuan, Party chief of Qingdao and Zhao Haozhi, mayor of Qingdao, attended the conference.
Other municipal leading officials of Qingdao Xue Qingguo, Zhu Hua and Liu Jianjun attended the opening ceremony.
Energy ministers of many countries, foreign diplomats in China, entrepreneurs government officials and representatives of relevant international organizations attended the opening ceremony both offline and online.