Zheng Yuzhuo, the chief of the Liaoning Transportation Department, said the funds were destined for five major ports, among them Dalian, Yingkou and Jinzhou.

"Liaoning will continue investing in port construction and build the coastal region into another economic center," said Zheng. He said the funds would mainly come from the government's budget, loans from the China Development Bank and international investment.

"Each port will take responsibility for raising money, and we will welcome investment from home and abroad," added Zheng.

Liaoning launched the development strategy for the coastal region early last year to shake off its status as part of China's rustbelt. The policy's core is to shake off the lingering legacy of the State-owned enterprises that have long dominated the province by making full use of its coastline resources and attracting more investors.

Li Keqiang, secretary of the Liaoning provincial committee of the Communist Party of China, said Liaoning would make a concerted effort to develop its coastal resources.

Liu Wen, vice-director of the province's foreign trade and economic promotion department, said investment in the province's ports had hit a record 10.5 billion yuan (US$1.3 billion) last year.

Dalian Port, the province's largest, has seen its fortunes improve in recent years. Last year, the amount of cargo shipped through the port jumped to 145 million tons, representing a 20 percent year-on-year increase, according to figures provided by the Dalian government.

"Based on the experience of other countries, Liaoning Province could harvest eight or even 10 times the return on its input," said Li Xiangping, a researcher at the local Liaoning Social Sciences Academy.

(China Daily 01/23/2007 page4)