Industrial experts, entrepreneurs and government officials participated in a high summit on coal, energy and environment during the second China (Taiyuan) International Coal & Energy New Industry Expo that began yesterday in Taiyuan and will continue until September 19.

    Two special forums on capitalization of the coal industry, innovation and development of clean energies will be held in the coming days.

    Yesterday's summit forum, titled Coal, Energy, Environment and Harmonious Development in 21st Century, was hosted by Li Xiaopeng, vice-governor of Shanxi province, and attended by leading officials including Cheng Siwei, former deputy chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

    Industrial insiders, entrepreneurs and government officials exchanged opinions on recent development trends in the global coal sector and new energy industries, and offered advice on sustainable growth of Shanxi' industries.

    Shanxi, China's largest coal producing province, is the only province in the country with pilot projects to develop a sustainable coal industry. Local officials say they are striving to build a highly efficient, clean, safe and modern coal industry center.

    The province is exploring new development directions to extend its value chain in coal production. The major topics for yesterday's forum, they echoed the first forum held last year, which also discussed sustainable development of coal industry.

    Industry insiders and experts from Japan, the United States and Germany shared their experiences and exchanged ideas with their counterparts in China.