The State Council on Dec 28 issued a circular, approving the development plan for city clusters in Central China.

The plan is aimed at promoting supply-side reform, serving the Belt and Road Initiative and other key national strategies, pushing forward infrastructure interconnection, and strengthening environmental protection.

According to the circular, departments of the State Council should provide more policy and fund support to related provinces, in an effort to build balanced, open and integrated city clusters.

Local governments should improve measures and policies to ensure a smooth implementation of the plan under the support and watch of related departments.

Key policies and projects involved should go through the approval process according to established procedures, said the circular.