AAPP Makeover Benefits Chongqing Citizens

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, April 12, 2002

AAPP Makeover Benefits Chongqing Citizens

The bustling makeover by southwest China metropolis Chongqing for the annual meeting of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP) has brought welcome changes for its citizens. The Chongqing municipal government has spent nearly 100 million yuan over the last five months on infrastructure. The 100 million yuan may have limited benefits in the short-term, but the invisible and long-term benefits will be great.

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100 million yuan spent on Chongqing infrastructure construction

The bustling makeover by southwest China metropolis Chongqing for the annual meeting of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP) has brought welcome changes for its citizens.

Introduction of Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP)

Created in September of 1999, the AAPP is the largest inter-parliamentarian organization in Asia with 36 member states and 15 non-member states.

In line with the theme of "peace and development", lawmakers every year will discuss a wide spectrum of issues including multi-polarization in the world politics, world peace, economic globalization and its ensuing impact upon developing nations and how to strengthen international cooperation for a new international political and economic order.

The municipal government has spent nearly 100 million yuan over the last five months on infrastructure, as it gears up for the AAPP meeting from April 17 to 19, to be attended by parliamentary delegations from over 50 countries.

All the coal-burning boilers within the city proper had been replaced with natural gas by the end of last year, removing the blanket of dust visible in its sky.

A total of 247,000 square meters of new lawns are lining 83 major and minor streets. Buses on 36 major routes as well as the major bus stations were overhauled. Traffic jams have eased.

The nights will be more lively for AAPP VIPs, with the city spending 30 million yuan to install new lights in 51 streets, 12 squares, 21 parks, 26 buildings, as well as decorative lights for 10,000 trees.

Long-term benefits great

"The overhaul will surely present a better city to the foreign guests. But first of all, it brought solid benefits to us citizens," said bookshop owner Wang Weidi.

"The environment is better. The traffic has also improved," he added.

"It's a worthwhile deal. The 100 million yuan may have limited benefits in the short-term, but the invisible and long-term benefits will be great," said Zou Bingxuan, general manager of the Chongqing Telecommunications Co., the provider of telecom services for the AAPP meeting.

"Our unique geographic position and rich resources have given us a unique role in China's western development strategy. The AAPP will provide a rare opportunity for the world to know Chongqing and western China," said Wang Yunlong, Chongqing's deputy party chief.

"If we could make this meeting a success, it will bring great benefits for our citizens, and hence win their trust," he said.

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