Cabinet focuses on Yangtze delta plan

CHINA'S State Council yesterday approved guidelines designed to boost the development of the Yangtze River Delta.

The region, covering Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, is one of China's major economic engines.

"The region should quicken its industrial restructuring and seek to create an industrial structure with a modern service industry as the pillar," the guidelines said.

The eastern economic hub should increase efforts to upgrade its industries and turn itself into an advanced global manufacturing base, according to the Cabinet meeting, presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao.

The region should improve its ability to innovate while aiming for sustainable development, the guidelines said. The delta area should also coordinate the development of rural and urban areas.

Improving the delta's international competitiveness will play a significant role in the country's reform and opening up, the meeting participants concluded. The meeting also urged the delta to modernize its agricultural sector, conserve energy and land and protect the environment.

Source: Shanghai Daily