A forum on industrialization and environmental protection in China started in Beijing on Monday. Chinese top legislator Li Peng sent a congratulatory message to the forum.

Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said in a letter of congratulation that environmental protection had become a well-recognized national policy in China, in line with basic benefits to the Chinese people and the country's efforts to seek sustainable development.

Li urged participants from over 200 enterprises across the country to contribute to China's environmental protection work in various ways.

Zou Jiahua, vice-chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, said China should continue its fast economic development while better protecting its environment and resources.

Qu Geping, chairman of the NPC Environmental and Resources Protection Committee, and Xie Zhenhua, Director of the State Environmental Protection Administration, made keynote speeches at the two-day forum, which is organized by a newspaper called China Environment.

They said environmental protection had become an issue of global concern and awareness of environmental and resources protection should be promoted in China.

(Xinhua News Agency December 23, 2002)