Beijing Plans 9 Percent GDP Growth Next Five Years

The gross domestic product (GDP) of Beijing will average a 9 percent increase in the next five years to reach 370 billion yuan in 2005, according to Shen Baochang, director of Beijing Development Planning Commission.

During a press conference Tuesday, Shen mapped out several aspects: innovation ability, social development, living standards, city planning and environment protection.

Shen said the ratio of total research and development (R&D) investment and the added value of high-tech industry to GDP will rise to 5 percent and 12 percent, respectively, in 2005.

He predicted the registered population will be controlled within 11.6 million with an average increase of 1.3 percent annually. There will be over one million new job vacancies created to form a more complete social security system.

The disposable income of urbanites and farmers will grow more than 6 percent every year. The per capita floor space will be 18 square meters. And the average life span will reach 76.

He also said that the government will try to improve the air quality and deal with polluted water as well as household rubbish. Some 48 percent of the city will be covered by trees.

People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/