Xi'an starts construction of key project in first quarter

The groundbreaking ceremony for key projects starting construction in the first quarter in Xi'an, capital of China's Northwest Shaanxi province, took place on March 17, with a total of 162 projects involved.

The projects have a total investment of 150.3 billion yuan ($21.44 billion) and an annual investment of 50 billion yuan.

They cover such fields as advanced manufacturing, the modern services industry, urban construction, infrastructure and environmental protection.

Of the total, 63 projects are involved in social undertakings and people’s livelihoods, with an investment of 76.8 billion yuan. They account for 39 percent of the total number of projects and 51 percent of the total investment, respectively.

Meanwhile, 29 are advanced manufacturing projects with an investment of 20.7 billion yuan.

One of them is the second phase of the Xi'an Electronic Valley project, with a total investment of 4.8 billion yuan. It is an industry development site integrating schools and land, jointly established by the Xi'an High-tech Industries Development Zone and Xidian University.

Officials said that on completion, it will play an important role in Xi'an's electronic information industry.

They added that the rapid implementation of these projects would increase the city’s economic and social development.