China To Suspend Building Of New Cement, Flat-Glass Projects

China's economic planning agency said Thursday it will suspend cement and flat glass projects that have been approved by local authorities but which haven't begun construction, to curb a buildup of excess production capacity in the country.

The move applies to projects that hadn't started construction as of Sept. 30, the National Development and Reform Commission said in a statement on its Web site.

Local authorities also won't be allowed to approve any new cement and flat glass projects, the NDRC said. Any new projects would have to be approved by the central government, it added.

The government had flagged a tightening of investment approval in late September, when it said it will curb the buildup of excess capacity in sectors such as steel, flat glass and cement.