The China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) will work with the Ministry of Environmental Protection to promote the implementation of the compulsory environmental pollution liability insurance system in key industries and areas, CIRC Chairman Xiang Junbo told reporters on Sunday. 

This will make a significant contribution to the improvement of air, water, and environment quality, he noted. 

Currently, the system is being piloted in 30 provinces, covering industries like heavy industry, heavy metal, printing and dyeing, and chemical engineering. Revenue from the compulsory environmental pollution liability insurance reached 280 million yuan (40.6 million U.S. dollars) last year. 

The development of such insurance now relies largely on administrative means as there is a lack of a sophisticated legal system, sufficient financial support, and sound supporting mechanism, said Xiang Dong, a deputy to the National People's Congress and head of the Statistics and Information of the CIRC.

Meanwhile, the CIRC is encouraging insurance companies to enhance production innovation, so as to better risk management and claim settlement services.

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