The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a technical assistance (TA) grant of US$500,000 to promote policy reforms in the road transport industry of China.

The TA will draw up a road transport reform action plan based on a review of the existing policy and regulatory framework, discussions with stakeholders, and field surveys, the Manila-based ADB said in a statement.

The TA, which will be carried out over about six months, will also assist the government in implementing the action plan by conducting training and seminars to disseminate the findings of the TA, the statement said.

The demand for transport is rapidly increasing in China, necessitating greater operational efficiency in the road transport industry to complement capital investment in road construction, it added.

The administrative system for the examination and approval of operators therefore needs to be reformed to foster development of the road transport industry, the ADB said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2004)