In a massive country like China, there's always room for new development. The Chinese government on Dec 6 announced plans to bolster the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, one of its most dynamic regions.

New measures include the advancement of innovation-driven development and the upgrading of industry chains.

Officials say the measures focus on the key elements of greater integration and high-quality progress to lead the growth of the whole Yangtze River Economic Belt and eastern China.

"The outline of planning clearly requires the Yangtze River Delta region to take the lead in achieving quality change, efficiency change, and dynamic change," said Luo Wen, vice-chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission.

The Delta region, which includes Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui, is among the areas with the most robust economic growth, the highest level of opening-up and the strongest capacities for innovation in China.

"We should focus on key areas and 'brother' provinces and cities to work together. For example, in the field of industrial development, we should deepen cooperation among all parties, and focus on promoting financial opening," said Chen Yin, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee.

Officials also said that the integrated development of the region could play a vital part in leading regional growth.