SALT LAKE CITY - Chinese governors participating in the first China-US Governors Forum called for regional cooperation in environment protection, energy efficiency and clean energy between China and the United States on Thursday, during the first day of the US-China Trade, Culture and Education Conference held in Utah's capital.

Utah Governor Gary Herbert poses with, from left, CPAFFC Vice President Li Xiaolin, Anhui Governor Wang Sanyun, Zhejiang Party secretary Zhao Hongzhu, Yunnan Governor Qin Guangrong, and Qinghai Governor Luo Huining. [Chen Bei/China Daily]

Meanwhile, they also highlighted the need to tap tourism, education and exchanges in talent training as potential areas for regional collaboration at the conference, a prelude to the China-US Governors Forum, which officially opens on Friday in Salt Lake City.

Zhao Hongzhu, Zhejiang province Party secretary and head of the Chinese delegation to the governors forum, said there are a lot of areas where Zhejiang and Utah can join hands in achieving mutual development as both regions have made headway in environment protection, natural resources, information technology, finance, education and tourism.

Luo Huining, governor of Qinghai province, which has forged a sister relationship with Utah, said, "The new eco-partnership between Qinghai and Utah keeps in step with the global green development and fits in with the China-US strategic cooperation."

Wang Sanyun, Anhui province governor, highlighted the need for regional cooperation in developing a low-carbon economy, as the province is pressing ahead with new materials and energy efficient automobiles.

Yunnan hopes to conserve its ecological diversity and preserve its multi-ethnic cultures through the development of eco-tourism, Qin Guangrong declared on Thursday.

"Researchers, engineers and innovators working together in concert to solve complex problems in energy efficiency and environment conservation leads to both job opportunities and benefit to people all over the world," Utah Governor Gary Herbert said in his keynote speech at the conference opening.