A senior environment official has called on Chinese companies to shift onto a "green" development track.

"It is the social responsibility of companies, given the needs of China's current situation, and driven by international trends," said Pan Yue, vice-minister of the State Environmental Protection Administration.

He pointed out that although China is now the largest manufacturer in the world, it is also suffering the most serious loss of natural resources.

Turning to the international scene, Pan said the so-called "green barriers" set up by developed countries in international trade have more and more impacted on China's foreign trade. "Green barriers" mean strict environmental standards are imposed on imported products.

At the same time, China has signed a number of international conventions on environmental protection, which also require industries to become environmentally friendly.