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A project aiming to expand the coverage of broadcasting and television networks in western China is well underway.

The "Tibet-Xinjiang Project", which is expected to strengthen communication channels and stimulate local economic development in China's western Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Tibet Autonomous Region, started in 2000 with full financial support from the central government.

At an national conference on grassroots cultural activities held in Beijing, Memtimin Zekir, vice chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, briefed participants on the development of the project .

The Xinjiang project has been divided into three stages, he said. The first two stages which gave the whole region full coverage of radio networks have now been completed.

During the third stage, television networks will be extended to most villages in Xinjiang so that most local people can watch TV as well as listen to the radio.

Xu Mingyang, vice chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region, said the project has greatly improved the Tibetan people's cultural life.

He said the radio networks power in Tibet has been increased from 2,500 kws to 4,000 kws, and 22.8 percent more local people can now tune into radio programs.

The project also extended radio broadcasting time by over eight hours each day with Tibetan language programs now being broadcast for 17 hours daily.

Xu noted that radio stations in the Qamdo prefecture have begun to broadcast programs in the language of local minority.

Officials from these regions are openly excited by the changes. The project has improved the quality and coverage of radio programs, and has enriched local people's daily lives, they said.

The officials believe that the project will play an important role in maintaining social stability and pushing forward local economic development.