A delegation of Institute of Applied Ecology (IAE), Chinese Academy of Sciences visited Japan from December 21 to 23, 2009. This delegation was led by Professor Han Xingguo, Director of IAE. Other members include Professor Jiang Yong, Director of Science and Technology Department and Professor Geng Yong, Chief of Circular Economy and Industrial Ecology Research Group of IAE. The main purpose of this visit was to sign an overall MOU with National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) of Japan so as to promote the substantial collaboration between the two institutes.　

In December 21, the delegation visited NIES and met their president Professor Ohgaki Shimichiro and executive director Professor Yasuoka Yoshifumi. The leaders of the two institutes signed an overall MOU and then jointly attended the Sino-Japan workshop for Circular Economy, organized by NIES. Professor Han introduced the main research fields of IAE and presented his development strategy. Professor Geng made another presentation in the field of regional circular economy simulation. President Ohgaki, executive director Yasuoka, Professor Nakane Hideaki and Professor Fujita Tsuyoshi (who is also a visiting professor of IAE), discussed the future collaboration with the delegation. This MOU will set up a solid foundation for the future collaboration between the two institutes, especially for young researchers, so that they can further explore the potential collaboration opportunities.