The State Council approved the overall plan to build the Hongqiao international opening-up hub in Shanghai, which was submitted by the National Development and Reform Commission, according to a circular released on Feb 18.

The hub should be built into an international trade center with high transportation management level, leading the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta through high-level, coordinated opening-up.

Shanghai municipality, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces should strengthen organization and leadership, to ensure that goals set in the plan can be reached as scheduled.

Important policies and major projects involved during implementation of the plan should be submitted for approval according to procedures.

Related departments under the State Council should offer guidance and support in policy implementation, institutional innovation and project construction, and coordinate efforts to solve any problems encountered during the process.

Also, NDRC and the Leading Group Office for Promoting the Integrated Development of the Yangtze River Delta should evaluate the plan implementation in a timely manner.