BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- China plans to invest 468.9 billion yuan (68.65 billion U.S. dollars) in projects to boost the development of the country's western region in 2009, said the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) Monday.

    The investment will go to 18 projects, including railways, express ways, hydropower stations, shipping hubs, water control projects and airports.

    These projects play a vital role in implementing China's West Development Strategy, promoting economic and social development there and improving people's livelihood in the region, said an official with the NDRC.

    China has launched 102 projects for boosting western region development from 2000 to 2008, involving 1.74 trillion yuan of investment, according to the NDRC.

    The West Development Strategy is a policy adopted by the Chinese government to help underdeveloped western region catch up with prosperous eastern region.