Infrastructure expansion in rural areas key to growth

1 million km of roads, 100 projects planned; government seats across country to be linked

CAI MENG/CHINA DAILY

The central government's decision to improve the transportation network in impoverished rural areas is expected to boost local economies and raise living standards by broadening sales channels for agricultural goods and creating job opportunities.

The State Council, China's cabinet, is pooling investments nationwide to build 1 million km of highways in these areas and start 100 projects by 2020 to build and expand expressways, railways and airports to connect the far-flung regions, especially in ethnic and border areas, according to a statement from the cabinet's executive meeting presided over by Premier Li Keqiang on April 20.