CCICED 2008 Annual General Meeting was held in Beijing on November 12-14, 2008 with the theme of "Harmonious Development through Innovation". Mr. Li Keqiang, Vice Premier of the State Council and Chairperson of CCICED attended the meeting and made a keynote speech. Mr. Zhou Shengxian, Minister of Environmental Protection and Chinese Executive Vice Chairperson of CCICED chaired the opening session. More than 200 participants including both International and Chinese Members of CCICED, Task Force Co-chairs, heads of relevant government departments, representatives of foreign embassies and international organizations, Chinese and International observers as well as experts attended the meeting.

　　Premier Wen Jiabao met with international representatives attending CCICED 2008 AGM

　　Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council met with international representatives attending CCICED 2008 AGM in Ziguangge of Zhongnanhai in Beijing on November 13. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on how China could properly handle the relation between stable, fast economic growth and environmental protection, and achieve sustainable development, against the backdrop of the aggravating global financial crisis and the downturn of global growth.

　　Mr. Zhou Shengxian, Minister of Environmental Protection was at the meeting.

　　Minister Zhou Shengxian met with CIDA President

　　Minister Zhou Shengxian met with Ms. Biggs, President of CIDA and Executive International Vice Chairperson of CCICED in Beijing on November 12, 2008.

　　Minister Zhou welcomed Biggs taking the post of Executive Vice Chairperson of CCICED and appreciated the long-term support of CIDA to CCICED activities. CCICED is a model for environmental cooperation between China and Canada. As a platform for dialogue between China and international communities in the field of environment and development, CCICED has brought its advantage into full play, put forward recommendations on sustainable development of China and done a great deal of work. China is willing to cooperate with all international parties under the framework of CCICED.

　　Ms. Biggs spoke highly of the achievements of the Chinese Government in the cause of environmental protection over the past years. She said, it becomes very important for us to jointly study appropriate ways to address environment and economic issues under current global financial crisis. She is encouraged by the expanded influence of CCICED. She thanked Minister Zhou for his leadership and support to the work of CCICED and looked forward further enhancement of environmental cooperation between Canada and China.

　　Mr. Zhu Guangyao, Secretary General of CCICED attended the meeting.