(Yicai Global) Oct. 23 -- China will invest CNY4.5 trillion (USD700 billion) in the country's rural infrastructure over the next four years as part of a new revitalization plan focused on transport, hydraulic engineering, energy and information.

Various bodies including the industry and transport ministries as well as the country's top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission, and energy bureau are accelerating preparations for the 2018 to 2022 Rural Revitalization Plan, a blueprint for infrastructure development in non-urban areas.

Regarding road transport, the government will look to make up for flaws in current infrastructure, Li Xiaopeng, head of the transport ministry, said. The body aims to expedite the construction of roads for transporting resources, bringing in tourists and boosting certain industries.

Take Fujian province as an example, more than 1,000 kilometers of third-grade highway cover counties and more than 10,000 km of roads in villages will be improved and constructed by 2020. Some 30,000 km of rural road will receive maintenance over the same period. In addition, some 165 integrated transport service stations will be established in rural area, and the three-level logistics system consisted of county, town and village will basically be completed.

In terms of energy, the National Development and Reform Commission, along with the industry ministry and National Bureau of Energy will explore the promotion and application of new energy vehicles in rural areas and make full use of regional water and solar energy resources.

China's major Internet service providers are also increasing investment in rural areas. For instance, China Telecom plans to invest another CNY15 billion in rural areas to further improve 4G coverage as well as fiber-optic networks.

According to the plan, fiscal expenditure, financial support and social capital will make up the sources of funding. In terms of the innovation of mechanism against investment and financing, government should play a leading role. Social forces including businesses should be encouraged to invest in fields like e-commerce and information.

Editors: William Clegg