Xi Jinping's birthplace, Fuping, set to prosper from leader's rise
County near Xian sees growing development even before new president takes reins
Fuping county, on the outskirts of Xian, is expected to get a big boost in infrastructure investment after the accession of Xi Jinping as the next leader at the Communist Party next month.
Xi, who is vice-president and has been anointed to succeed Hu Jintao as president, was born in the rural county in Shaanxi province in 1953.
His father, Xi Zhongxun, a former vice-premier, was born and is buried in Fuping.
"After Xi becomes president at the 18th congress, the Shaanxi government will make things better in Fuping," said Tian Zhenjun, chief executive of West China Cement, a Hong Kong-listed cement producer based in Xian.
"There will be a metro rail line linking Fuping with the capital, Xian."
"Once Xi becomes the leader, the government will undertake a lot of projects in the area, such as metro rail lines linking Fuping with other centres, many roads," said Ma Weiping, a non-executive director of West China Cement.