BEIJING - A massive support package that includes preferential tax and resource policies will help the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region catch up with the average national per capita GDP in five years.

The central government unveiled the ambitious goal on Thursday to boost development and maintain stability in the region, which is of "particular and strategic significance".

"Marked improvement" must be achieved in infrastructure, development capacity, ethnic unity and social stability within five years, President Hu Jintao told a conference.