The total output value from forestry in southeastern China's Zhejiang province was expected to reach 70 billion yuan (US$8.4 billion) last year, the largest in the country for 2002, according to the province's forestry bureau.
Zhejiang, which has more than 60 percent of its area covered by forests, planted over 45,761 hectares in trees in 2002, 33 percent more than planned.
At the same time, the province sped up the creation of green strips, with 2,563 km completed last year and the total up to 6,000 km.
With forestry continuing to profit in the province, forestry concerns have gradually developed into large enterprises.
Statistics showed that about 500 forestry firms in the province generated a total of 15 billion yuan (US$1.8 billion) in income last year.
Zhejiang also improved the efficiency of its rural economy and increased farmers' income through restructuring the forestry into a dominant industry.
The province has 146 special forestry bases, covering a total area of 120,600 hectares.
Flowers and ornamental plants have gradually gained a dominant position in the province's agriculture.
(Xinhua News Agency February 9, 2003)
