BEIJING — Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli met with foreign scholars to solicit their opinions on the environment for the country’s 13th five-year plan (2016-2020) on June 9.

Zhang said environmental protection is a fundamental state policy.

The 13th five-year plan covers a crucial period in China’s economic and social development and the government will give more weight to environmental protection and low-carbon development, Zhang said.

Zhang called on the foreign advisers to promote the steady and healthy growth of China’s economic and social development.

Vice-President of the European Commission Kristalina Georgieva, on behalf of foreign advisers, hailed the progress China has made in seeking eco-friendly development and fighting environmental pollution.

The foreign advisers pledged to support China’s efforts to protect the environment and seek development and promote the sustainable development of China and the world.

Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli meets with foreign scholars to solicit their opinions on the environment for the country’s 13th five-year plan (2016-2020) in Beijing, June 9, 2015.[Photo/Xinhua]