A stronger Sino-US cooperation mechanism on environment protection may be expected during the ongoing visit of top energy and commerce department officials from the US, and this would offer more opportunities for green businesses in both countries, experts and industry analysts told China Daily yesterday.

Energy use and development were among the greatest of challenges facing all countries, and it was especially appropriate to establish a framework that would be sustainable in future, said Bob Poole, vice-president, China operations, US-China Business Council.

"We are happy they are visiting China, which shows that the Obama administration is viewing strong cooperation as a priority," said John Watkins, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce China.