Environment protection will be a priority of China's paper-making industry in the eleventh Five-Year Plan from 2006 to 2010, according to the State Development and Reform Commission (SDRC).

The government will encourage paper producers to stop using outdated equipment and introduce advanced technologies to improve production efficiency and reduce water pollution.

Statistics show that China has more than 5,000 small-scale paper-making mills, which are plagued inefficiency, environment pollution and high input but low yield problems.

The government will also take action to reduce the discharge of polluted water and cut down on resources consumption.

The growth of China's economy has surged in recent years at the expense of the environment. The paper making industry has been one of the main causes of water pollution.

More than 70 percent of China's rivers and lakes are polluted while underground water in 90 percent of Chinese cities is also affected. It is estimated that more than 300 million people nationwide have no access to clean water. Severe pollution prompted 51,000 public protests last year.

The government and businesses in China have tried to foster a recycling-based economy with clean production.

Experts say a recycling-based economy which features more efficient energy consumption, lower emissions and higher returns, will ensure fast economic and social development at a lesser cost to the environment.

Source: Xinhua