BEIJING — The Ministry of Emergency Management has launched a year-long campaign to ensure the elimination of related risks during the relocation of hazardous chemical industry in China, sources with the ministry said on Feb 15.

The move was carried out as the country has accelerated the relocation of hazardous industry to its central, western and northeastern regions from eastern coastal areas in recent years, Sun Guangyu, an official with the ministry, told a press conference.

The campaign will take place in 21 provincial regions that have undertaken relocation projects, said Sun, adding that more than 470 such projects are expected to begin production this year.

The sound management of safety risks is needed to avoid accidents, Sun said.

The campaign seeks to strengthen the evaluation of new and existing projects and take action on those that fail to meet safety standards to ensure safety in the sector, Sun said.

A total of 632 hazardous chemicals-related projects have been relocated to the central, western and northeastern parts of China since 2019, mostly from East China's coastal regions, Sun said.