The World Bank has loaned the Chinese government US$1million to
aid efforts to build ecologically-friendly cities.
The money will be used to draft environmental plans for three
cities.
Baotou, an industrial city in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, will receive
US$600,000, and the remainder will go to Chongqing municipality in the southwest and
Wuyishan, a city in east China's Fujian Province.
The Ministry of Finance has called in experts to study the
development of recycling economies and ecology-friendly industries
in Baotou.
They will also carry out research on waste water treatment in
Wanzhou District of Chongqing and the growth of
ecologically-friendly tourism in Wuyishan.
Chinese cities are becoming increasingly aware of the importance
of ecological improvements.
The World Bank decided to assist in building ecology-friendly
cities in 2004.
The Ministry of Finance is held responsible for implementing the
program which is expected to be completed by the end of this
year.
(Xinhua News Agency April 10, 2006)