China is set to raise the forest coverage rate to 30 percent in 70 percent of cities around the country by 2010.  

The Deputy Director of the State Forestry Bureau, Zhu Lieke, says China will facilitate tree planting programs in urban areas.

As the forest coverage rate in cities is relatively low, governments at all levels are being asked to include forests into the cities' general development plan.

Some cities have already included the development of forests and green lands in their urban planning.

(CRI October 19, 2004)