Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is expected to invest 10 billion yuan (1.2 billion US dollars) in technical transformation over next year, 20 percent more than this year's figure.

According to Song Ruhu, director of the Regional Economic and Trade Commission, Xinjiang has allocated a total investment of 2. 38 billion yuan (287 million US dollars) to build 11 major state- listed projects this year, and upgrade key projects that began early this year and are now well under way.

The 22 projects, including technical retooling at the August 1 Iron and Steel Complex, which have been completed, are now operational, and the construction of 44 new projects is in full swing.

Moreover, the autonomous region has so far approved the establishment of 24 technical centers, which have forged cooperative ties with local research and higher education institutes to upgrade technology and develop new products. (Xinhua)