Rice plantation, China.

China – Comprehensive cooperation for sustainable solutions

Last reviewed: 6 July 2026

The Swedish EPA and China signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding on environmental cooperation in 2002. Our joint work focus on areas like climate issues, sustainable consumption, and circular economy.

The Swedish EPA’s cooperation with China is part of Swedens bilateral cooperation with countries of strategic importance for the international cooperation on environment and climate change. Our common work is based on mutual interest and aims at building long-term partnership for sharing knowledge and experience in environmental policies and management, promoting constructive dialogues and cooperation on negotiation and implementation of international agreements, etc. 

The Swedish EPA has carried out cooperation activities with the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment, MEE, and some other concerned Chinese organisations. The focus areas were control of short-lived climate pollutants, phasing down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) through district cooling and not-in-kind options, and sustainable waste management. Seden also have given advice regarding a Chinas environmental code.

The China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development 

For many years, Sweden has been participating in the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development, CCICED, where the Swedish EPA is the focal point for the engagement. Founded in 1992, the Council serves as a high-level international advisory body to the Chinese government on issues of strategic importance for China’s endeavor for sustainable development. Within the Council, Chinese and international experts work together to carry out policy studies and prepare recommendations to the Chinese government. Swedish experts have contributed to several policy studies, with focuses on green finance, climate and air pollution control, development of environmental legal framework, and green production and consumption. Most recently, the Swedish EPA and Stockholm Environment Institute) participated in policy studies on circular economy.

Contact

Do you want to know more about the cooperation with China? Send an email to Anna Otmalm,  anna.otmalm@naturvardsverket.se

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