Output value of China's environmental protection industry will hit 880 billion yuan (110 U.S. dollars) in 2010, contributing 3.4 percent to the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

Of the total output value, resource utilization, equipment manufacture and environmental services will account for 75 percent, 13.6 percent and 11.4 percent, respectively, said Bi Junsheng, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission, on Saturday.

China plans to invest 1.4 trillion yuan in environmental protection from 2006 to 2010, said Bi.

About 260 billion yuan of the fund will be invested in dangerous waste disposal, urban sewage treatment, power station desulphurization and natural reserves.

"These projects will provide ample business opportunities for China's environmental protection industry, which is expected to grow 15 percent annually over the next five years", said Bi.

Source: Xinhua