China will accelerate development of its central region to
implement the national strategy of realizing coordinated
development of various regions, according to a top government
meeting Wednesday.
"The central region should become China's major grain production
base, production base of raw materials and energy sources, new and
high-tech industrial base, manufacturing base of modern equipment
and comprehensive transportation hubs," said the executive meeting
of the State Council, chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao.
The central region has geographic advantages for its rise as it
is situated between the booming eastern region and the relatively
backward but resource-rich western region. It also has advantages
in certain industrial sectors.
The Central Government wishes the central region, which includes
Henan, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hunan and several other areas, to be a
connecting link between eastern and western development.
(Xinhua News Agency February 16, 2006)
