The World Bank has loaned the Chinese government US$1million to aid efforts to build ecologically-friendly cities.

The money will be used to draft environmental plans for three cities.

Baotou, an industrial city in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, will receive US$600,000, and the remainder will go to Chongqing municipality in the southwest and Wuyishan, a city in east China's Fujian Province.

The Ministry of Finance has called in experts to study the development of recycling economies and ecology-friendly industries in Baotou.

They will also carry out research on waste water treatment in Wanzhou District of Chongqing and the growth of ecologically-friendly tourism in Wuyishan.

Chinese cities are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of ecological improvements.

The World Bank decided to assist in building ecology-friendly cities in 2004.

The Ministry of Finance is held responsible for implementing the program which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
 
(Xinhua News Agency April 10, 2006)