New laws urged to save resources
Beijing urgently needs to reform its laws to promote the efficient use of resources, experts said yesterday, warning that shortages pose an increasingly big obstacle to the country's development.
Wang Mengkui , director of the State Council's Development Research Centre, said authorities should outline the strategies needed to achieve a 'recycling economy' and enhance the efficiency of resource consumption.
He listed laws covering land and water resources management, construction, electricity and coal, and other resources as those requiring changes.
'It is necessary to strengthen the legislation and the reform of the current system,' he said.
Mr Wang was speaking at a session on sustainable development at the three-day 21st Century Forum organised by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
At the same forum, Feng Zhijun , a member of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, warned that a severe shortage of natural resources had already created 'six difficult problems' for the mainland's economic development, including low efficiency, severe pollution and a heavy reliance on overseas supply.
Mr Feng, also vice-chairman of the Democratic League - one of the mainland's eight non-communist political parties - said the gross and per capita reserves of resources on the mainland were low by global standards.
Mr Feng said consumption of resources had surged since 1990, with the use of petroleum and natural gas close to doubling between 1990 and 2001. Consumption of iron, copper and aluminium soared by 143, 189 and 380 per cent respectively in the same period.
The mainland now consumed 250 million tonnes - or 40 per cent - of the world's steel and 800 million tonnes - or 50 per cent - of global cement output. It also ranked second in the world in electricity and energy consumption.
Mr Feng predicted that by 2010, the mainland would import 57 per cent of its petroleum and iron, 70 per cent of its copper and 80 per cent of its aluminium.
His forecast appears to contradict more optimistic government statements.
Mainland leaders have spoken of self-reliance in natural resources and energy in recent speeches to foreign audiences.
