World Bank shares green path with China

World Bank President Jim Yong Kim (right) learns about the design of a green building in Shanghai on Sunday. He began a four-day trip to China to promote low-carbon development. Wu Zhiyi / China DAILY

Economic growth target can be achieved as stabilizing signs have emerged, Kim says

China is on the right track to push for economic reforms and tackle environmental pollution, and the World Bank will fully support the nation by providing solutions, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said on Sunday.

"It's encouraging that, despite growth having slowed, the Chinese government sticks to the reforms ... and has a strong commitment to tackling the pollution problem," Kim told China Daily in Shanghai, the first stop of his four-day China visit starting on Sunday, and also the city where the World Bank has low-carbon emission projects.

"The Chinese government is doing the right thing," Kim said.

"China has a vision of the future that we want to have quality growth that is more driven by consumption and services, and one that is cleaner and more livable."

He also said China is likely to achieve its growth target of 7.5 percent this year amid signs of a stabilizing economy.

In the past few months, China has vowed to transform its economy by advancing reforms and addressing air pollution after thick and hazardous smog engulfed much of industrial north China, including Beijing.

This year, the nation has launched a series of measures to reduce carbon emissions and develop the renewable energy industry.

Last week, China announced measures to tackle air pollution, with plans to close old polluting steel mills, cement factories and aluminum smelters, slash coal consumption and boost the use of nuclear power and natural gas, marking the nation's strong commitment to halt air pollution.

"Climate change is a real and present danger which can set back years of development progress, hitting the poor hardest. China is a vital partner in tackling this challenge," Kim said.

"I am here, at least in part, to pledge the full support in helping tackle the pollution issue," he added.

The World Bank is working with China on a broad climate change agenda, including promoting clean energy, reducing traffic jams and air pollution, and improving flood risk management.