China's investment in west region to reach RMB 468 bln in 2009

Oct. 14, 2009 (China Knowledge) - The National Development and Reform Commission, the nation's top economic planning agency, said yesterday that China will have spent RMB 468.9 billion in 18 projects in West China to boost the development of the region by the end of the year.

The projects include railways, expressways, hydropower stations, shipping hubs, water control projects and airports. The government plans to spend RMB 120 billion building a second Lanzhou-Urumuqi Railway, which will be 1,768 km long.

An official with NDRC said that these projects are critical to the implementation of China's West Development Strategy, which aims to boost the region's economic and social development and improve quality of life.

From 2000 to 2008, the country launched 102 key projects under the West Development Strategy, spending RMB 1.74 trillion.

The General Office of the State Council said in a statement it released on Oct. 9 that China will continue to input central government funds to support development in West China.