BEIJING - China and Japan inked agreements to join hands on 51 projects in energy conservation and environment protection at a business forum held here on Saturday, the latest cooperation between the two countries in the sector.

The projects will cover the setup of a mechanism on energy-saving standards, enhancement of thermal power efficiency, standardization of semiconductor lighting, sea water desalination and other related subjects.

Zhang Ping, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, gave an introduction on China's energy-saving plans during the 12th Five-Year Plan period (2011-2015) at the forum, saying China's huge market and Japan's world-leading technologies in the sector will create huge room for cooperation, which meant a lot to both countries in combating climate change.

Yukio Edano, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, said that Japan is willing to contribute more to assist China on energy and environment issues.

The forum, the sixth of its kind since 2006, has attracted over 800 government officials, environment experts and entrepreneurs from the two countries.