A leading Chinese economist said in Beijing on Wednesday that China and Europe could share much in energy consumption, climate research and sustained economic development.

Chen Jiagui, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), said at a forum on the bilateral partnership facing the global energy economy, both China and Europe would be confronted with shortage of traditional forms of energy in the coming decade.

Chen noted that the cooperation between China and European nations in saving traditional energy and looking for new energy meets interest of both sides.

China needs to learn experience of the European nations in developing and consuming new energy, Chen said.

The forum, hosted by the CASS, the Chinese Academy of Engineering and some European institutions, will encourage closer ties between academic, governmental and business sectors.

(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2005)