UNDP Calls for Investment in Human Resources in Developing Western ChinaA United Nations Development Program (UNDP) official said that investment in human resources is the "most important" first step China should take before seeking capital funds for the development of the western region.Kerstin Leitner, UNDP resident representative to China, made the remark at an international symposium on development of the western part of China, held in Chongqing, southwest China. "China's western region has to be developed by the people living in the area for the development to be sustainable and equitable," Leitner said. "Once people know how to articulate their needs, it is much easier to mobilize resources," Leitner added. If capital investment is made without the people having a clear and agreed vision, strategy and capacity to implement, capital funds can easily be squandered through higher costs, wastage, and leakage of funds through corruption, the UNDP official noted. Leitner said that the development of China's western region has many challenges, but also many opportunities. There are lessons learnt and best practices from international experiences. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/ |