Northwest China will gradually discontinue the industries of sugar refining, coal mining, textiles, and iron and steel, and focus on energy instead.

Long-term money-losing enterprises will be closed, according to the guiding principles for the industrial restructuring of northwest China in coming five years,issued recently by the State Economic and Trade Commission.

Northwest China includes Xinjiang Uygur and Ningxia Hui autonomous regions, as well as Shaanxi, Gansu and Qinghai provinces.

The region should intensify efforts to develop wind and solar energy, natural gas and petroleum, chemicals, nonferrous industries and gold mining, according to today's People's Daily.

The Qaidam Basin in Qinghai will be developed into the most important base for potash fertilizers in the process.

In addition, the region will upgrade traditional industries, including machinery, light textiles, medicines, and building materials, and meanwhile develop the hi-tech industry.

(eastday.com 11/28/2000)