The State Council, in a circular issued on Dec 15, approved the key pilot zone for development and opening-up in Tacheng, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Located in the northwestern region of Xinjiang, the pilot zone will serve as an important window for cooperation with countries in Central Asia.

According to the circular, the pilot zone will deepen the comprehensive cooperation with neighboring countries and accelerate construction of core regions in the Silk Road Economic Belt.

While promoting the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative with joint efforts, the pilot zone will also play a role in propelling economic development and urbanization of the border region, the circular said.

The living standards and stability of the border region will be enhanced, with a firmer awareness of the Chinese nation and peaceful society in Xinjiang.

To build the pilot zone into a pivot in the Silk Road Economic Belt and key cooperation platform with Central Asian nations, the circular urged more work done to strengthen infrastructure interconnections, local industries, business environment, ecological civilization, and coordinated urban-rural development.

Water resources are particularly emphasized in the layout and scale of the pilot zone.