Premier says nation will foster new growth drivers at accelerated pace

Premier Li Keqiang reiterated on Wednesday China's commitment to encourage low-carbon consumption and pursue green development by accelerating the shift in the country's growth model and improving economic structure.

Li made the remark as he announced the official closing of the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition in the city's Yanqing district.

China will foster new growth drivers at a faster pace, boost development of energy-saving and environmentally friendly industries and promote a circular economy, Li said.

He stressed the need to deliver greener and better lives to the people by resolutely tackling pollution and resolving acute environmental problems.

The country will continue to support and follow a multilateral approach and actively implement the Paris climate agreement, he said.

He added that the country will bolster exchanges and cooperation in ecological conservation and promote the sharing of best practices to help other developing countries, to the best of its ability, grow a green economy and realize sustainable development.

Faced with the daunting tasks of growing the economy, improving people's lives and enhancing environmental protection, China will stick to a holistic approach to pursue both high-quality economic development and environmental protection through reform and opening-up, he said.

Foreign dignitaries praised the success of the Beijing expo, saying that it has left behind a lasting legacy.

Vincent Loscertales, secretary-general of the Bureau of International Expositions, said the Beijing expo was probably the best horticultural expo in history.

The monthslong event enabled a combination of culture and tradition, showcasing the horticultural knowledge that Chinese culture has accumulated over the centuries.

"When you visit these gardens, what you get is a vision of this great country. I know some of the pavilions will be used in the 2022 Winter Olympics, but the legacy of the expo will go beyond that," Loscertales said, adding that the expo park will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Bernard Oosterom, president of the International Association of Horticultural Producers, also praised the expo.

"The Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition has been the best I have ever seen, and I think all the visitors and participants will recognize that."

The exhibition, which attracted participants from 84 countries and 24 international organizations, hosted nearly 3,300 activities and attracted 9.34 million tourists from home and abroad during its 162-day run.