Aug 26, 2008. /Lesprom.com/. The Japan Paper Association plans to invite China, the world's second-largest paper manufacturer, to a conference of Asian paper industry groups to be held in Osaka in October, Jiji Press reported. It will be the first time for China to participate in the conference, which was launched by Japan, South Korea and Taiwan in 1984. At the October gathering, participants will discuss the impact of high-flying crude oil prices and ways to make efficient use of recycled paper, officials of the Japanese association said. Although China has not joined the meeting attended by Taiwan, the Japanese industry group found it necessary to bring the paper giant into the international discussion in order to overcome difficulties in the industry, the officials said. Pressured by rising prices of fuel and waste paper, the paper industry is facing a bleak future. Rapid growth in demand for paper in China and the country's inefficient use of recyclable paper are said to be behind the recent surge in waste paper prices. The Asian conference, also joined by industry groups in five member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is considering offering support to China to help improve its waste paper collection system.