China invests $19 bn in forestry sector

China invested over 120 billion yuan (about $19 billion) in the forestry sector in 2011 after noticing a year-on-year growth of over 27 percent, according to its finance ministry.

The government significantly supported, last year, to build ecosystems of forests, wet lands and deserts as well as protect biodiversity, Xinhua quoted the ministry as saying Monday.

According to the ministry, the money was mainly aimed at key ecological areas in 451 counties.

The central government also cut income tax, value-added tax and duty for forestry projects to boost growth, it said.