Chongqing- To take full advantage of the green development of the Lancang-Mekong region and promote Chongqing's green industry to go global, the China (Chongqing) Lancang-Mekong Green Industry Technology Seminar was held in Chongqing Municipality on February 25. 

The seminar involved the six Lancang-Mekong countries of Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China. Participants touched on the municipal green industry topics and ways to promote Lancang-Mekong's green transformation.

China (Chongqing) Lancang-Mekong Green Industry Technology Seminar was held in southwestern China's Chongqing Municipality on February 25, 2022. (iChongqing/ Chen Zhan)

Chongqing green industry 

As a main strategic industry for China's ecological civilization and sustainable development, the green industry strongly supports the country's carbon emissions peak and carbon neutrality goals. 

Chongqing's government work report indicated the importance of green transformations during the 2022 Chongqing Two Sessions. Green buildings infrastructure is one of the motions proposed by a deputy to the Chongqing Municipal People's Congress. 

Chongqing is the only municipality directly under the central government in western China. Based on the Three Gorges reservoir area, Chongqing is an important ecological barrier in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, said an official of the Chongqing Association for Science and Technology. 

Chongqing has insisted on ecological priority development to promote green transformation in recent years continuously. Meanwhile, Chongqing's manufacturing capacity has covered regions along the Belt and Road, including Lancang-Mekong and the European Union countries. 

Electric vehicle market ready to expand 

At the conference, the experts from different sectors shared their opinions about the development of energy, power, transport, circular economy, and other related topics. 

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are one key basic mentioned. And the Sustainable Development Goal 7, which focuses on access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, provides a guiding framework for evolving national energy systems in a way that can support a broad range of development objectives. 

There are some priority needs with regards to SDG 7 in ASEAN Region, such as the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, zero-emission industry, smart city solutions, and sustainable transport solutions.

According to analysts, the market for electric vehicles has not yet been fully developed, but some countries hope to have further development in electric mobility. 

Chongqing public transport. (iChongqing file photo)

Electrification is needed across the transport spectrum, not only of cars but also of public transport.

For example, some Southeast Asian countries are faced with traffic problems, so the electrification of public transportation is urgently required. Moreover, it is possible to electrify some two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles which are still using gasoline or diesel.

In this case, public transport offers innovation opportunities. However, there is still a long way to go.

Analysts represented that the system integration should be improved between modes of transport to cover long distances and the last mile. Public transport mapping and tracking applications are also required. 

Besides, the experts indicated the necessity of conducting scientific research on the electric vehicle market to improve consumer confidence and reduce anxiety about mileage and costs. An accessible solution for charging at home could be one of the examples.