APP has carried out the construction of fast-growing high-yield paper plantations in many remote areas with poor transportation. For example, APP has invested 300 million in forestation in Yunnan, of which a large part was used for road construction, and 70 million was used to pay wages of local plantation farmers.
As another example, though the Yangpu Port of Hainan is a key deep water port and a state-level important investment project; it has not been fully applied effectively, which is disadvantageous to the maintenance and development of its facilities. In 2003, the customs revenue of Yangpu Economic Development Zone was only 38.06 million. However, after APP Jinhais pulp program was launched into production, Yangpus customs revenue has increased by 78% to 67.926 million - a new high in its history. In addition, the customs tax was 25.707 million and import tax was 42.219 million. This increase is due to Hainan Jinhai Pulp & Paper Co, Ltds importing of raw materials like eucalyptus pieces, industrial salt, French chalk and more.
Improving Living Standards of Poor Areas
Take Yunnan plantation for example. There are 10 counties in Simao, of which 8 are national poor areas. In 2004, the average income of farmers in Lancang County is RMB 700, which is 50% that of Yunnan and less than one third of that in the country. After the implementation of paper plantation in 2004, the income of local farmers has increased by more than 100 yuan. Donghui Village contracted the cultivation of 37000 mu in 2004, and its villagers have achieved an actual income of RMB 3.5 million, an unprecedented event in its history. |
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