Beijing is encouraging international public bidding to win operation rights on the four subway lines under construction.

Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform, Wang Haiping, said Thursday that the local government wants to diversify investments into the new subway lines.

Wang Haiping says the municipal government wants to make investment, construction and operation of infrastructure projects more market-oriented.

Other major infrastructure projects open to international bidders include public traffic facilities, toll roads, water, gas and heat supply, as well as sewage and waste treatment.

(CRI April 8, 2005)