The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has recently issued the revised Administrative Measures for Budgetary Investment Earmarking of the Central Government for Water Transportation (the "Measures"), effective as of December 31, 2028.
The Measures specify that, the earmarking aims to support relevant water transportation projects that have significance in promoting high-quality regional economic and social development, supporting regional major strategies, driving territorial and resource development, improving transportation conditions, overcoming development weaknesses, enhancing people's well-being, and strengthening security capabilities. The specific scope of support covers six categories of projects, such as "high-grade inland waterway projects, including waterway treatment and dredging projects". Meanwhile, the Measures clarify that budgetary investment earmarking of the central government will support water transportation projects by direct investment or investment subsidy, and will be directly allocated to projects.