Chinese tent makers have been working all out and completed the production of 900,000 tents ordered by the Ministry of Civil Affairs ahead of schedule for the millions left homeless by the May 12 earthquake.

As of Thursday noon, 70 percent of the tents, ordered by the ministry of finance and civil affairs and manufactured by 75 companies from 14 provinces and municipalities, had been sent to the quake zone.

The central government has enlisted many outdoor travel products and supplies companies to manufacture tents. Chinese President Hu Jintao visited two tent manufacturers in eastern Zhejiang Province in late May, urging them to produce as many as possible to meet the needs of the quake-hit zone.

Observers believes the scale and speed of tent production is unprecedented in history.

In all, about 1.49 million tents, including donations, have been sent to the region as quake survivors' temporary shelter.

The National Development and Reform Commission has issued measures to ensure a stable price of tent production materials and accessories, and the Ministry of Railways has provided full support for a smooth tent transportation.

(Xinhua News Agency June 20, 2008)