According to Xie Hong, vice-director of the provincial development planning commission, the projects are involved in Sichuan's pillar industries, including infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture and services.

There are 114 projects in six pillar industries of telecommunications, hydropower, mechanical metallurgy, medicine chemistry, beverage and food, as well as tourism.

Large projects include the construction of the second-ring road in Mianyang City, the second-phase expansion of the Huangjuezhuang power plant in Yibin City and a project regarding electrolytic aluminum in Meishan City, which are expected to involve investments of US$325 million, 490 million and 280 million respectively.

Sichuan has a booming economy in western China, with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) amounting to 487.5 billion yuan (US$58.9 billion) last year, up 10.6 percent over the previous year.

(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2003)