Li Ka-shing, a Hong Kong billionaire, is to donate a large amount of money to establish an education fund for western China.
The exact amount is not yet available. The fund will be used to build infrastructure and improve education facilities in 12 western provinces and autonomous regions, including the Tibet and Xinjiang autonomous regions.
The announcement was made during Li's recent visit to Chengdu, the largest metropolis in western China. Li visited universities, secondary schools, hospitals and a convalescence center there.
To date, Li has donated more than HK$4 billion to various social sectors in interior areas of China.
(People's Daily 02/28/2001)