Japan and China will join hands on environmental and power saving projects as demand for energy in China surges. About 1,000 government representatives and business leaders from both countries met on Monday in Tokyo. They gathered at the 7th annual conference promoting bilateral cooperation for green technology, according to (NHK World) website. The two sides agreed to launch 47 projects including the creation of a “smart city” as a feasibility experiment to improve energy efficiency. In another program, a Japanese firm will co-develop an electric car with a Chinese university. Japanese industry minister Yukio Edano called for a closer alliance at the event. He said Japan’s environmental technologies could help China conserve energy. Edano remarked the partnerships could also spur technological advances. Zhang Ping, the director of China’s National Development and Reform Commission, said his country plans to engage in more discussions with Japan. He said power efficiency and environmental protection are areas for growth in terms of economic cooperation. Industry ministry officials are planning to help Japan’s environment-related companies enter the Chinese market where demand for eco-friendly technology is high.