Participants in an environment forum meeting between Japan and China on Sunday discussed the issue of marine plastic pollution.

The annual meeting, the 12th of its kind, brought together a total of 800 participants, mainly company and government representatives of the two countries.

The Japanese side explained measures to fight marine plastic pollution, which is drawing strong attention around the world.

Another focus was how to use hydrogen, which does not release carbon dioxide when combusted, as an energy source.

The Japan-China Energy Conservation and Environment Forum has held a meeting alternately in Tokyo and Beijing every year since 2006.

Japanese and Chinese companies exchanged notes on hydrogen-related business collaboration.

Relations between the two neighboring Asian countries have improved mainly through Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s trip to Japan in May and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to China last month.

Thanks to the improvement, many companies feel at ease to form tie-ups. Japanese companies see business opportunities because many have strengths in the environment field.

Japan can cooperate with Chinese partners to establish hydrogen fuel stations and realize zero emissions of plastic waste in the plastic production process, visiting industry minister Hiroshige Seko told a press conference.Speech