Japan reached basic agreement with China on Thursday to offer technological assistance to help cut greenhouse gas emissions in China under a so-called co-benefit project that will focus on efforts to ease pollution and curb global warming, a government official said.

Japanese Environment Minister Ichiro Kamoshita and Chinese State Environmental Protection Administration Minister Zhou Shengxian will formally sign the agreement in Beijing on Saturday.

The co-benefit project is the first of its kind to be translated into action by the Japanese government.

Under the agreement, China is expected to make significant steps forward in tackling air pollution, water contamination and waste disposal.

By providing technology to China, Japan, in return, will be able to gain emission credits. Japan is required to cut emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane to meet the target set under the Kyoto Protocol.

    Source:The Yomiuri Shimbun

    2007-11-30