He told the on-going Western Forum that more international investment projects, including the preferential loans by the International Monetary Fund and foreign governments, will be introduced to the west.

Meanwhile, a special treasury policy will be issued for the development of the western regions.

The national budget will also increase subsidies for the salaries and social security of employees in state-owned enterprises, for the improvement of education and for the treatment of ecological problems such as soil erosion, in western regions.

A favorable tax policy will be adopted for the western regions. For instance, companies engaging in projects encouraged by the central government will enjoy a tax waiver of 15 percent within a certain period, the vice-minister added.

(China Daily 09/06/2001)