China will boost the development of its central region in line with its strategy to promote a coordinated development of the various regions, according to a top-level meeting on Monday.

 

"We should further cultivate interaction between the eastern, central and western regions and common development," according to a statement recording the meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, chaired by the committee's General Secretary Hu Jintao.

 

There were calls for efforts to build the region into a major grain production base, a base of energy and raw materials, a base of modern equipment manufacture and new and high-tech industry and a comprehensive transportation hub.

 

"The central region will develop through acting as a link between the eastern and western regions and capitalizing on its strengths in certain sectors."

 

Advantages of the central region include its location, natural and human resources, and industrial structure.

 

The CPC Central Committee and the State Council have adopted a strategy to encourage the eastern area to take the lead in national development, carry out large-scale development of the western region, and invigorate northeast China and other old industrial bases.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 28, 2006)