The State Ethnic Affairs Commission issued a circular on January 7 urging ethnic affairs departments at all levels to further push forward the border area development drive.

Beginning last year, the drive was designed to increase the development of China's border areas to enrich the local people, solidify national borders, rejuvenate the nation, and promote cross-border relations.

The circular pointed out that since most border areas in China are home to various minority ethnic groups, the drive has a significant meaning for efforts to achieve faster development in these areas.

All ethnic areas will see an obvious improvement in infrastructure, living standards, and social and economic development, the circular said.

The circular urged related departments to make overall arrangements, conduct in-depth investigations, and take practical steps to guarantee the drive's success.