The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has donated 500,000 U.S. dollars to a technical support program to create a sustainable development strategy for Chinese cities.

The strategy aims to boost Chinese cities' manufacturing efficiency as well as raise the living standards of their residents. It will be adopted by the central government during the 11th Five-Year Program period (2006-2010), sources with the bank said.

The strategy will be made upon a discussion by government officials, scholars, policy advisers and other stakeholders, covering a wide range of issues, including employment, social service, environment, infrastructure and transportation.

"The donation for technical support is in response to the urbanization drive initiated by the Chinese government," said Sangay Penjor, an expert in finance with ADB, adding that the strategy will provide suggestions on creating jobs for migrant workers and environmental protection.

Currently China has 53 major metropolitan areas with a total population of approximate 370 million, or 29 percent of the nation's total. However, the GDP produced by the urban area accounts for 53 percent of the country's gross domestic product.

ADB has made a 625,000 U.S. dollar budget for technological support to China in the next five years, while 125,000 U.S. dollars will be borne by the Chinese government. The program, to be implemented by the State Development and Reform Commission, will start in May 2006 and be completed within eight months.

Source: Xinhua