May 7, 1983

Public utilities investment expands

Beijing has increased its investment in public utilities during the past three years from 3 to 6 percent of its total construction budget, according to the Municipal Statistics Bureau.

The city has invested 110 million yuan in water-works projects to reduce local shortages. One plant, the Number 8 Water-works with a daily capacity of 350,000 tons, was put into operation in 1981.

By last year, Beijing had 555 km of gas pipes, 32.5 percent more than in 1979.

Gap between workers and farmers reduced

Workers and farmers are closing the gap between them with regard to income, consumption level, education and cultural life.

The State Statistical Bureau reports that the income disparity between workers and farmers was reduced by 21.6 percent between 1978 and 1982. Average annual living expenses for farmers also rose to 220 yuan from 116 yuan, an increase of 87.9 percent.

The institution of the contract system in the rural areas provided the incentive for farmers to raise their education level. There are now 150 counties which have established training centers for scientific farming.

Old mill brings in big money

The 63-year-old Wuxi Number 1 Cotton Mill, the biggest enterprise of Wuxi in Jiangsu province, is an outstanding example of the value of compensatory trade.

In less than two years of production, it has brought in nearly $90 million in foreign exchange. It has exported more than 35 million yards of cotton and polyester grey cloth.

The mill employs 8,000. Its compensatory trade project is part of China's campaign to obtain advanced foreign technology and equipment.

(China Daily 05/09/2008 page9)