Chinese official advocates for South-South new energy collaboration

A senior Chinese climate diplomat has advocated for enhanced South-South collaboration in the realm of new energy vehicles, among other key areas, to boost the accessibility and innovation of green and low-carbon products and technologies.

Zhao Yingmin, leading the Chinese delegation at the ongoing COP29 United Nations climate change conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, delivered these remarks during an event on Friday.

In the event held in the venue for the UN gathering of almost 200 countries, Zhao, also vice-minister of Ecology and Environment, witnessed the signing of a partnership agreement between the Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturer NIO and a local company named Green Car.

Noting a significant progress in China's renewable energy sector, the official stressed the country's consistent willingness to share its technologies and approaches for low-carbon transition.

By the end of July 2024, China's combined installed capacity for wind and solar power generation had surged to 1.2 billion kilowatts, nearly 2.3 times the figure recorded at the close of 2020, the vice-minister highlighted.

This remarkable milestone signifies that China has achieved the promised installed capacity to the international community more than six years ahead of schedule, he continued.

He said China's production and sales of new energy vehicles now account for over 60 percent of the global market share, ranking first in the world for nine consecutive years.

The production of new energy vehicles in the country has so far this year exceeded 10 million, he disclosed.

"We are willing to share China's technology and practices in green and low-carbon transformation with other countries, and engage in extensive exchanges and cooperation with relevant parties to collectively pursue the path of green transformation," he said.

According to the agreement between the two sides, Green Car will serve as NIO's general distributor in Azerbaijan, and NIO will officially start delivering products in the second quarter next year.

Established in 2014, Green Car is a pioneer in Azerbaijan's green technology sector, specializing in the promotion and integration of electric vehicles and sustainable transport solutions.

Qin Lihong, co-founder and president of NIO, has said he has eyed big market opportunities for new energy vehicle in Azerbaijan, as the country makes strides in green transition and sustainable development.

"NIO desires to be a part of it, contributing to the popularization of new energy vehicles in Azerbaijan and accelerating the company's globalization," he said.