China gives nod of approval to controversial paraxylene plant in Fujian province

13-Jan-09

China's the Ministry of Environmental Protection has given the go ahead for a paraxylene plant in Xiamen, Fujian province approving its construction several miles to Zhangzhou, about 50 km to the west. Since 2007, the project has faced intense opposition over feared pollution from residents who mobilised a rare mass campaign over fears of toxins from plant. Tenglong Aromatic Hydrocarbon Company is reported to build the plant. Though Chinese citizens have grown increasingly vocal over the pollution and environmental blight that has accompanied the country's frantic industrialization, officials are eager to create jobs, especially with growth slowing sharply in recent months.