China is developing a new grain distribution network with the aid of the World Bank, a senior planning official has said.

Development of the system, covering 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, is expected to enable China to increase its grain distribution and transportation capabilities by millions of tons annually, said Hao Jianxiu, vice-minister in charge of the State Development Planning Commission.

Construction of four grain distribution corridors, respectively in the northeast, Beijing and Tianjin municipalities, the Yangtze River valley, and the southwest, and launching of complementary projects are expected to complete by the end of next year, Hao said during a recent fact-finding tour to the northeastern port city of Dalian, in Liaoning Province.

The network would bring a revolution to China's system of grain distribution, from transporting it in bags to more efficient means which are easier to load and unload, and which are similar to other grain projects financed by the World Bank.

Hao pointed out that the network will reduce the cost of grain distribution and boost the transportation of grain from northern parts of China to the south, and also boost farmers' enthusiasm for planting agricultural crops.

Meanwhile, the network, which has 281 sub-projects, will help increase grain quality and promote grain exports, she said.

In addition, she said less grain will be wasted during the process of distribution after the network is set up.

The network will also enable the central government to exercise better macro-control over grain distribution, the official said. (Xinhua)