Officials and experts from China's Guangdong Province and Italy's Venice had a dialogue yesterday at the Italy Pavilion to explore an innovation-driven, green economic model and solutions to environmental problems arising from urbanization.

It is the common pursuit of Guangdong and Venice to achieve economic growth while at the same time be responsible for the environment, said Beniamino Quintieri, Italy's commissioner general for Expo 2010.

The participants discussed how to formulate economic policies based on geographic conditions and changing population, how to upgrade industries and train technical workers, and how to minimize the impact of industry on the environment.

The pavilion is hosting a series of seminars and lectures on best practices in climate change adaptation and eco-friendly materials and construction during its "Green Week" starting September 13.