BEIJING - China will improve its forestry policies and forest insurance system to reduce the financial burden of forestry development, said Chinese Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu on Wednesday.

"We will increase our investment in infrastructure development related to drinking water, electricity, roads and communications in the forest areas," Hui said at the closing ceremony of the first APEC Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Forestry, which was held in Beijing.

He also said the country will invest in forest seeds and seedlings, forestation, forest tending and the reconstruction of dangerous buildings to improve the livelihood of forest-dependent residents.