India, China are two major re-foresters: Jairam Ramesh

New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Union Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh Monday said China's green house gas emissions are four times that of India, but both countries are united in being the two 'major re-foresters' in the world.

'China's emissions are about four times that of India's and in no way can India be equated to China in emissions but both these countries are adding to forest cover and are two major re-foresters,' Ramesh said.

He was speaking at the inaugural session of 'China and India: 60 years and beyond' organised by the foreign affairs department of the Congress party.

He also said both the countries have relatively low per capita income. The common factor is that neither of the countries would like an international barrier in their growth.

'India and China are looking at clean energy collaboration... We are also discussing collaboration in the field of glaciology (study of glaciers),' he added.

Senior leaders from the Congress and the Communist Party of China also spoke at the day-long seminar.