10 key projects to be launched in western China

China’s National Development and Reform Commission said on its website that the country is to launch ten key projects in the western regions this year, aiming at boosting the economic and social development of western regions as planned in the west-development strategy.

With a combined budget of CNY436 billion (USD64.12 billion), the 10 projects include new railway lines connecting Guiyang and Guangzhou, Lanzhou and Chongqing, Kashgar and Hotan in Xinjiang; highways between Wanyuan and Dazhou in Sichuan Province, Shuikou and Duyun in Guizhou Province; airport expansion projects in Chengdu, Chongqing and Xi'an. Building of hydropower stations, coal mines, gas and oil transmission tube lines as well as public utilities projects are also included in the schedule.

Source: China.com, XinhuaNet (26th October 2008)