Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke and Zheng Shanjie, Chair of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), signed an Action Plan today on circular economy and resource efficiency. The countries’ intent with the Action Plan is to intensify their joint work in environmental policy and point the way for specific types of environmental cooperation. The signing took place during Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s trip to China. During her visit, the Federal Environment Minister met with her Chinese counterpart Huang Runqiu to discuss the international plastics agreement, the negotiations of which will continue next week in Ottawa.
Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke commented: "Germany and China are key players in global environmental protection. The strategic dialogue agreed today between Germany and China is an important milestone in our cooperation. Progress on circular economy and resource efficiency is of decisive importance to reduce pressures on the environment worldwide. Long-lived products and improved recycling help prevent waste, reduce emissions of harmful greenhouse gases and protect nature."
The Sino-German Dialogue on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency, which was launched with the signing of the Action Plan, was first agreed at the Sino-German intergovernmental consultations in Berlin in June 2023. It is a key part of the Sino-German Dialogue on Climate Change and Green Transformation also established at the consultations. The Action Plan envisages annual high-level meetings of the two governments to enhance strategic dialogue. China and Germany will exchange views on circular economy strategies, legislation and instruments. The main focus will be on particularly relevant materials (such as plastics and metals) and sectors or product groups (e.g. packaging, building sector, vehicles and batteries). Representatives from politics and industry, businesses and associations, research and civil society will take part in the various dialogue formats.
Germany’s National Circular Economy Strategy will be a key basis for the discussions. The strategy sets out specific measures along the entire value chain to advance the transition to circular economy practices. The strategy is on track to be adopted by the Federal Cabinet by the summer of 2024.
The German environment minister also spoke with her Chinese counterpart about the global agreement on plastic pollution that is currently being negotiated. From 23 to 29 April 2024, the international community will continue the negotiations on a legally binding UN agreement to end plastic pollution in the environment and oceans in Ottawa, Canada.