BEIJING -- The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has issued a guideline promising it will continue to direct capital to the country's western areas this year.

The guideline announced that 100 million yuan ($16.36 million) has been allocated to boost development in 12 provinces and autonomous regions in west China.

The NDRC started ejecting capital into the area in 2012 and has allocated 100 million yuan every year in the central investment budget to the large but less developed western region.

The money will improve people's lives by accelerating infrastructure and environment programs, including trans-provincial railways and water diversion projects, resulting in a solid basis for further investment and economic growth, the NDRC said.