Openness to PX projects needed: Official

Local governments should disclose thorough information to the public on paraxylene projects they are building or plan to build, an official from industry governing body said on Wednesday.

China is looking for "scientific and rational" development regarding PX projects, and opinions from the public should be heard before the projects begin, said Feng Fei, head of industry policy department under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

"Information transparency and an effective 360-degree regulatory system are critical for the healthy development of the nation's PX projects," Feng said.

Feng's remarks came after protests against a PX project in Maoming, Guangdong province, turned violence earlier this month.

Since 2007, similar projects in Xiamen, Dalian and Kunming have been suspended after protests by local residents. They believe the plants will post dangers to human health and the environment.

The ministry said PX plants following "normal production standards" will not harm residents.

PX is a major raw material used in plastics and textile industries.

About half of PX demand in China relies on imports, said Feng, adding that lack of PX will threaten homegrown textile manufacturers.