BEIJING has announced six measures to help underdeveloped provinces in central and western China to catch up with well-to-do counterparts in the east.
The measures were disclosed by the Vice-Director of the State Planning Commission, Ye Qing, who said the package was aimed at providing economic impetus for the west but would not undermine the east's development.
In the newly endorsed Ninth Five-Year Economic Plan and the long-ranging blueprint up to 2010, one key theme is to narrow the economic gap between inland provinces and coastal areas.
The plan is expected to be endorsed by the National People's Congress in March when the council calls its annual session.
Chinese newspapers in Hong Kong reported yesterday that Mr Ye had recently told a delegation of visiting local journalists about the measures.
According to package, the Government will provide more financial assistance to central and western regions and increase funding for the development of natural resources.
