The Environmental Protection Department of Hong Kong signed Wednesday here a statement of intent with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that outlines a joint commitment for closer cooperation. Under the agreement, the two sides agree to expand regional cooperation to promote \"low carbon, high technology and low pollution\" communities and expand capacity in environmental protection. Hong Kong\'s Director of Environmental Protection Anissa Wong signed the joint statement with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Administrator Malcolm Jackson at the Eco Expo Asia being held in Hong Kong. By deepening collaboration between the two places, the two agencies will seek to address environmental challenges of mutual concern and drive further collaboration efforts in the region. These efforts will focus on air and water quality protection and waste management.