According to an official source, the region has become the largest sugar production base and one of the most important industrial bases for construction materials, non-ferrous metal and machinery in China.

The Zhuang people have a total population of more than 17 million. The autonomous region is relatively less industrialized compared with other regions and provinces. Some 40 years ago, the region could not manufacture even a tractor.

"We have decided to step up our industrialization in the new century," said a senior Guangxi official.

According to the official, Guangxi will put its emphasis on such industries like automobiles, machinery, sugar-making, construction materials, nonferrous metal, chemicals, textiles and light industry.

At the same time, the region will also give priority to the development of electronic information, bio-engineering, new materials and environmental protection technologies.

(Xinhua 12/19/2000)