BEIJING, May 6 -- The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region will receive more than 10 billion yuan in economic aid next year from 19 provinces and municipalities designated as partners. This is part of the central government's latest efforts to boost the region's growth.
The most developed cities of Urumqi and Karamay will be exempt from the aid. But all other areas will receive it. That means 82 cities and towns in Xinjiang will benefit from the investment. The aid will help improve housing, employment and education opportunities.
The government has also tried to be a better "matchmaker" -- provinces and municipalities with greater financial muscle, such as Guangdong and Beijing, will help the least developed areas. The provinces and municipalities will be required to invest a certain percentage of annual income in their partner areas.
The idea for the program was raised at a meeting in March. Vice-Premier Li Keqiang said the government will launch the program in 2011 after a year of research, and expects it to achieve significant results in five years.
Leading officials in most of the partner provinces and municipalities visited their recipient regions with research teams last month and draft plans will be worked out as soon as possible.
(Source: CCTV)
