China - Third Jiangxi Highway Project

Page 1 PROJECT INFORMATION DOCUMENT (PID) CONCEPT STAGE Report No.: AB1506 Project Name Third Jiangxi Highway Project Region EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC Sector Roads and highways (100%) Project ID P093906 Borrower(s) PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA Implementing Agency Environment Category [X] A [ ] B [ ] C [ ] FI [ ] TBD (to be determined) Date PID Prepared April 4, 2005 Estimated Date of Appraisal Authorization December 23, 2005 Estimated Date of Board Approval May 30, 2006 1. Key development issues and rationale for Bank involvement Background. The Government of China is committed to developing an efficient multi-modal transport system to enhance competitiveness and promote development. At the core of these programs is the National Trunk Highway System (NTHS), comprised of 13 major expressway corridors connecting all provincial capitals and main cities. The initial NTHS backbone has made great progress towards providing the core network connectivity. The development is now shifting towards linking poorer western regions with eastern China, the engine of China