The National Development and Reform Commission says China will continue pushing forward infrastructure plans for the next five years.

Hu Zucai, deputy head of economic planning, said 165 projects are planned, including those for public welfare, environmental protection and poverty reduction.

The commission will cut red tape for the projects, to shorten the time it takes to get approval. The Chinese government has high hopes for the infrastructure work, saying this is key to the country’s development.

Officials are encouraging the private sector to also join in the efforts, saying the additional investment would be welcome.