Dutch to help China reduce air pollution

The Netherlands will help China to improve the quality of their air. State Secretary Wilma Mansveld of Infrastructure and Environment and her Chinese counterpart Chen Jining signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the matter.

Air pollution is a big problem in China, with the air being so polluted in many cites on some days that it poses a threat toe residents' health. A Dutch representative will help the Chinese government with a new law based on Dutch example. This legislation should drastically reduce the emissions from factories and vehicles in China. The Netherlands will also share information and experiences on soil remediation, cleaning up landfills and models that estimate what environmental risks are involved in the construction of factories. China will make use of Dutch institutes like the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KMNI) and the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) to gain knowledge for better identification and control of environmental issues.

‘By exchanging knowledge, opening up to each other’s views and engaging in collaboration that transcends national borders and cultural differences, we can convert threats, such as climate change, inferior air quality and a shortage of raw materials into successful solutions and opportunities. These issues are related to the economy we want to build in the decades ahead and the world we want to live in together, with prosperity for everyone.’ Mansveld sais.

Today Mansveld will have talks with a delegation of the Chinese environment agency and the Minister of Land and Resources Jiang Daming, where they will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on spatial planning. On Wednesday Mansveld will join Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Shanghai for the start of the trade mission. Mansveld will visit the Center for Air Quality in Shanghai and attend a dinner where Dutch and Chinese companies sign contracts and agreements.