Agreements for 14 projects were signed to boost the capital's key industries, such as the high-tech sector and urbanization at an investment fair in Beijing on Tuesday.

The fair, held by the Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau, was aimed at introducing investment opportunities in Beijing for global equity investment and private businesses.

Of the 14 projects, with the contract value reaching 10.88 billion yuan ($1.77 billion), three were equity investment and another 11 were invested in by private businesses.

Li Chenggui, deputy head of the Beijing Commission of Rural Affairs, called for more investment in the city's rural areas, especially in 42 townships in suburban areas. According to Li, the 42 townships' urbanization rate reached 52 percent and its infrastructure and public services, such as education and health services, had improved.

Compared to other cities, the townships in Beijing had a sound environment and are doing very well in sewage treatment and garbage disposal, Li said.