The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) launched a pilot project in Dongying, east China's Shandong Province, to promote green economic development.

Participants will determine priority areas for developing the green economy in Dongying, and accordingly formulate plans and policies, according to the UNEP China Office.

"The UNEP and other UN agencies will do everything they can to support the project," coordinator of the China Office Zhang Shigang said at the launch ceremony.

The project may transform one or two of Dongying's pillar industries, such as oil, nonferrous metals, tires and chemicals, or try to coordinate ecological and economic progress, Zhang said.

During the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), both central and local authorities need to explore new paths of green development and address problems, said Song Xiaozhi, deputy head of the international cooperation department of the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

The pilot project should accelerate the transformation of a resource-based city like Dongying, Song said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 14, 2016)