Massimo D'Alema, the former prime minister of Italy, said that he strongly believes that green economy is the new frontier of growth and development.

He was in Beijing attending the 5th China-Europe High-Level Political Parties Forum from May 17 to 18, of which green economy is the main topic.

D'Alema said that green economy means that the world should reduce consumption of carbon and oil, and turn to solar, wind and renewable energy. Italy has been strong in doing that.

"I believe that is the future," he said.

He said for China it is important to reform the model of growth, which also means there's big potential for cooperation between Chinese companies and Italy electricity and energy companies.

"There's a new sensibility in public opinion for reducing pollution and I strongly believe that China would contribute to reduce a global warming and to reduce pollution," he said.

Sergei Dmitrievich Stanishev, the leader of the Party of European Socialists, the second-largest party in the European Parliament, said that for certain period of time China put economic development first and environment second, as people want to live better.

"But in China today, the issue of environment has become very topical," he said. "Last year, we had a big international success in the Paris climate change conference, and China played a very constructive role."

But now it is more focus on seeking more sustainable development and is looking for more environmental-friendly policies.

"In China I could see there's a new strategy in developing green energy, this is vast field of cooperation between EU and Chinese companies."

He said that EU companies could share their experiences with China and provide new technology, and Chinese companies could also get involved in EU market, which pose huge potential for both sides.