China will accelerate development of its central region to implement the national strategy of realizing coordinated development of various regions, according to a top government meeting Wednesday.

"The central region should become China's major grain production base, production base of raw materials and energy sources, new and high-tech industrial base, manufacturing base of modern equipment and comprehensive transportation hubs," said the executive meeting of the State Council, chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao.

The central region has geographic advantages for its rise as it is situated between the booming eastern region and the relatively backward but resource-rich western region. It also has advantages in certain industrial sectors.

The Central Government wishes the central region, which includes Henan, Jiangxi, Hubei and Hunan and several other areas, to be a connecting link between eastern and western development.

(Xinhua News Agency February 16, 2006)