Experts yesterday called for the government to promote the circular economy to boost China's economy recovery.
Experts attending the 4th China International Recycling Economy (or circular economy) Summit in Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on October 19, agreed using resources with greater efficiency and recycled where possible is the route to sustainable economic growth.
Yang Boling, former president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, urged governments at all levels to make plans to advance the circular economy, and improve controls on energy use and pollution.
"Investments in all economic fields shrank during the financial crisis of the past months, and it's the time to look to recovery," he said. "The circular economy, including green technologies, low carbon industries and so on, can provide an efficient path."
But Yang said it would be difficult for China – a country that has based its rapid economic development over the past few decades on massive exploitation of natural resources – to switch to the new model in a short time, particularly during the financial crisis.
Yang said China should strengthen scientific and technological cooperation with recycling economy experts worldwide.
"Through the mutual cooperation of international society and independent innovation of science and technology, we must perfect a pattern of circular economy that is relevant to national conditions," he said.
Meng Fansen, former vice director of the Ministry of Science and Technology Business Management Department also called for the government to improve the effectiveness of the circular economy through a balanced mix of policy instruments.
He said, "The government should also carry out a thorough review of existing policies, including regulatory frameworks using both administrative orders and market-based incentives."