China to invest RMB 65 bln in rural infrastructure

Apr. 23, 2009 (China Knowledge) - the State Council, or China's Cabinet, said Wednesday in a meeting that the central government will put RMB 65 billion (US$9.5 billion) towards infrastructure and services in rural areas to help farmers deal with the economic recession.

The infrastructure investment will center on construction of facilities for education and health as well as water supplies, electricity, communications and roads to improve the livelihood of rural residents.

The government will also promote the employment of rural migrant workers and increase credit available to rural residents.

In addition, the council decided that the central government will allocate another RMB 3 billion to boost the development of animal husbandry, including pig raising and dairy farming.

The government also encourages rural residents to build new houses or improve their housing conditions to expand domestic demand.