The Hong Kong-listed Xinao Gas Holdings has won a franchise to supply piped natural gas to Shijiazhuang, capital of the northern province of Hebei. It will take a 70 per cent stake in a joint venture with the state-owned Shijiazhuang Gas Group. The two companies will inject Yn130m into the joint venture, which will supply piped gas to the city exclusively for a period of 30 years.
The Ministry of Construction has urged local governments to increase franchising in utilities as well as the areas of public transport, sewage and refuse treatment to increase competition and promote efficiency.