Global aid plans to get more focus

Government says emphasis will be on projects in Silk Road countries

China is planning a considerable expansion of its foreign aid programs with a particular focus on infrastructure projects in countries along the land and maritime Silk Road trading routes, government officials said on Monday.

The country is planning to initiate a number of strategically important aid projects to help improve transportation, energy and telecommunications in those countries, according to the Ministry of Commerce, which is responsible for administrating the country's foreign aid programs.