Liaoning Province, one of the most industrialized areas in northeast China, plans to adopt clean production methods for 600 large factories by 2005 to reduce industrial pollution.

These factories involve eight industries including the petrochemical, metallurgical, chemical, coal-powered electricity generation, building materials, paper manufacturing, beer breweries and pharmaceutical industries.

The provincial environmental bureau has set up a clean production center to conduct training on clean production technology.

Old equipment and outdated technology have given rise to reduced recycling of waste products and severe industrial pollution in the province, according to local officials.

Since 1995, 10 local factories have been carrying out experiments on clean production technology to lower energy consumption, reduce pollution and increase yields, the officials said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 14, 2003)