Plans for Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone approved

The State Council approved at a meeting on Tuesday plans for the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone.

According to the proposal, the economic zone will be made a key economic center in western China and is expected to be the country's modern industrial base by 2015.

It is pointed out that the creation of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone bears "a vital importance" to the promotion of the country's West Development drive, the balanced regional development and the build-up of comprehensive national economic strength.

The Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone, comprised of 15 cities, 31 districts and counties in Chongqing municipality and in Sichuan province, covers an area of over 200,000 square kilometers.

The proposal cited that the region is noted for its dense population, industrial agglomeration, human resources, natural resources and a complete infrastructure.

The plans for Chengdu-Chongqing economic have listed eight sectors, including equipment manufacturing, auto accessories, the electric information and aviation, as the key industries for its future development.

Experts said the zone may become the "fourth pole" to boost the nation's economic growth, following the Bohai Bay, the Yangtze River and the Pearl River Delta regions.

Source: Chengdu.gov.cn