The Asian Development Bank or the ADB has passed its assistance plan to issue loans to China, helping the country develop its poverty-stricken mid-western regions.

The ADB's plan says that it will provide US$1.5 billion loans to China each year from 2005 to 2007.

Above 80 percent of the loans will be directed to development projects in the country's mid-western regions, especially the infrastructure projects.

Besides loans, the ADB will provide China with technical support worth of over US$11 million to reduce poverty and create better business environment for private enterprises.

(CRI September 30, 2004)