Shandong transport official appointed acting governor

The former deputy governor of Shandong, Han Yuqun, was appointed acting governor of the province yesterday, replacing Zhang Gaoli.

Mr Zhang was appointed party secretary of Shandong in November, replacing Wu Guanzheng, who was promoted to the party's Central Committee at the 16th congress in November.

Mr Han has served as a senior provincial official in charge of transportation. His promotion was apparently delayed after he was found responsible for a shipwreck off the Shandong coast in 1999 that killed 282 people.

Central authorities punished several officials, including then governor Li Chunting and Mr Han, who was the province's vice-governor in charge of transportation.

An investigation revealed the boat was overloaded and local officials should have cancelled the sailing because of the rough weather.

Officials said the new leadership would seek to improve the province's infrastructure and water supply in a bid to attract investment.

Analysts said Mr Han's initiatives would help make Shandong ports the most dynamic on China's northeastern coast.

According to a government plan, over the next five years the province will focus on developing its hi-tech industry.

Provincial leaders have decided to support big electronic enterprises such as the Haier Group, Hisense Group, Tide Group and Orient Electronics to tap new markets, particularly those in Europe and North America.