Hebei Province in north China has successfully attracted foreign investment in its high-tech development in a wide range of reas.

Some 65 multinational companies invested US$ 2.61 billion in 134 projects in Hebei last year.

Statistics show that overseas investment in the manufacturing of telecommunications equipment last year hit US$ 220 million, up 34.4 percent on a year-to-year basis. And some US$ 23.2 million went into research and development of computer software.

The province will continue to provide opportunities for investment in the sectors of finance, insurance, telecommunications, tourism, legal consultancy, infrastructure construction and environmental protection, according to local government officials.

Hebei, with an area of 188,000 square kilometers and a population of 66 million, has a wealth of natural resources and convenient transportation.

(Xinhua News Agecny February 20, 2002)