More regional co-op encouraged for industry upgrade

Experts say that the relocation of technologically advanced industries from the coastal regions will help western China reduce the number of businesses that rely heavily on high energy consumption and pollution.[Photo / China Daily]

XI'AN - The Chinese government will further encourage cooperation between its eastern and western regions to accelerate industrial relocation and promote the region's industrial upgrade, a senior official from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said on Wednesday.

It will also help the western region to maintain the upward trend in attracting investments, experts said.

"The western region should strive to upgrade its industrial structure while accommodating the industrial relocation, and the eastern region shall gain more room for further industrial development," said Li Pumin, deputy secretary-general of the NDRC, the country's top economic planner.

Li said that cooperation between the two regions should extend to sectors such as modern services, finance and logistics.

Li's remarks were made at the 15th Investment and Trade Forum for Cooperation between East and West China in Xi'an, capital city of Shaanxi province.

Hao Hongmei, a researcher at the department of foreign investment of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said that industrial relocation will help the western region reduce the number of businesses that rely heavily on high energy consumption and pollution.