Hebei orders factory shutdowns to stop smog casting pall over Apec

Hebei province will idle more than 800 polluting factories for nearly two weeks to stop smog shrouding Beijing as world leaders visit the capital for next month's Apec summit.

Beijing has been choked by heavy smog twice this month, with the city's air quality index (AQI) twice charging past the 400 mark. A reading of above 300 is considered "hazardous" pollution, posing a health risk to the entire population.

With less than two weeks to go until the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, the authorities are under massive pressure to ensure good air quality in Beijing.

According to a provincial directive, the authorities in neighbouring Hebei ordered the compulsory factory shutdowns from November 1 to 12 as part of its vow to cut emissions by 30 per cent.

In all, 805 factories will stop output and 223 will cut emissions for 12 days.

If Beijing records heavy pollution - an AQI reading over 200, production will stop at another 563 factories and 795 more will reduce emissions.

All polluting factories within a 100km radius of Beijing will come to a halt, except for thermal power plants, which will have to cut emissions by 30 per cent.