China will boost the development of its central region in line with its strategy to promote a coordinated development of the various regions, according to a top-level meeting on Monday.

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"We should further cultivate interaction between the eastern, central and western regions and common development," according to a statement recording the meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, chaired by the committee's General Secretary Hu Jintao.

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There were calls for efforts to build the region into a major grain production base, a base of energy and raw materials, a base of modern equipment manufacture and new and high-tech industry and a comprehensive transportation hub.

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"The central region will develop through acting as a link between the eastern and western regions and capitalizing on its strengths in certain sectors."

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Advantages of the central region include its location, natural and human resources, and industrial structure.

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The CPC Central Committee and the State Council have adopted a strategy to encourage the eastern area to take the lead in national development, carry out large-scale development of the western region, and invigorate northeast China and other old industrial bases.

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(Xinhua News Agency March 28, 2006)

 

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