The Chinese government has promised greater support to boost economic and social development in Tibet Autonomous Region, southwest China, in the 2006-2010 period.

The government discussed and passed in principle a blue print for projects and investment in the autonomous region at an executive meeting of the State Council presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday.

According to a document from the State Council, the central government will support Tibet's infrastructure construction, ecological and environmental protection, and the development of local education, culture and public health services.

The meeting stressed that planned projects will be mainly built in rural and pastoral areas of Tibet, and most of planned investment will also flow to these places.

The document did not disclose how many projects will be built or the amount of the investment.

The meeting also stressed the importance of protecting the local environment and cultural heritage sites in Tibet.

(Xinhua News Agency February 1, 2007)