Power Grid Renovation Stimulates Rural Market

Sources say that the Qifangzeng village of Ruichang City, Jiangxi Province, which once drew the attention of Premier Zhu Rongji for its overly high electricity price, saw a decrease in electricity charge to 0.78 yuan per kwh. Villagers can watch TV and use VCD, leading a completely new life now. There are many factors for the reduction in electricity charge, the most crucial one is the renovation of the rural power grid.

In fact, the benefits from rural power grid renovation are far more than that.

According to the materials provided by relevant departments, so far, funds used in revamping the nation's rural power grids have exceeded 80 billion yuan which accounts for only more than 20 percent of the entire target. The benefit produced by the 80-billion yuan investment and the income it brought about is several times greater. The improvement of farmers' living standards is conducive to a further adjustment of their expenditure structure. The entire rural market is livening up as a consequence.

Xiang Huaicheng, Minister of Finance, recently indicated that China would continue to implement the pro-active financial policy in the second half of this year. Investment in infrastructure construction such as rural power grid renovation will not be reduced. Commercial opportunities resulting therefrom will be further expanded.



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