Beijing and London will work closely together in the years to come to improve the air in both cities.

The capitals signed a strategic agreement in low-carbon cooperation during the Beijing International Low-carbon Technology Forum in Beijing on Monday.

The agreement calls for the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission to work with the London Development Agency on low-carbon technology, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, grid modernization, clean energy, improved air and low-carbon urban planning.

Zhu Shilong, the commission's deputy chief, said Beijing wanted to work with the British capital because "London was the first in the world to put forward the idea of developing a low-carbon economy".

Peter Bishop, group director of the London Development Agency, said London hopes to lead the world in low-carbon ideas.

"It's a global city in terms of finance and economy as well as research, innovation and technology, and we have four of the top six universities in the world," he said.

Bishop said his team was "amazed" by the resources available in Beijing and the potential in China's capital.

The agreement between Beijing and London follows the signing of another agreement, between the Beijing Sustainable Development Center and Euro-China Solar Promotion.

That arrangement calls on both partners to work together to develop low-carbon industries and promote green lifestyles.

The one-day forum focused on ecological city development and smart urban planning and the application of new energy sources.

The forum brought together officials, experts, agencies and companies from China, Britain, Spain and Italy. Zhu said he hopes the gathering will become an annual event.

(China Daily January 11, 2011)