Tokyo, June 20 (IANS/WAM) Japan has donated about $3.9 million to promote energy efficiency activities and low-carbon measures in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum for the Pacific Rim countries.

The funds will primarily be used to support a low-emission urban development initiative approved by APEC energy ministers at a meeting in Fukui Saturday.

‘The Low-Carbon Model Town Project aims to introduce low-carbon technology at the level of society. Over the next three years, APEC will select between 10 to 20 locations and conduct feasibility study projects to transform these cities into low-carbon cities,’ said Japan’s minister for economy and trade Masayuki Naoshima, who chaired the meeting.

‘APEC’s objective is to build prosperous regional economies. Activities supported by the fund will help APEC members achieve economic growth that is environmentally sustainable and create new opportunities for green industries,’ APEC executive director Muhamad Noor said.