A blueprint for the Beibu Gulf urban cluster during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) was approved by the State Council, according to a circular issued on March 23.

While stressing full and accurate implementation of the new development concept, the circular calls for accelerated building of a new development pattern and further reform and opening-up for high-quality progress driven by innovation.

Based on the New Land-Sea Corridor in West China, construction of the cluster should be connected with development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and other major regional strategies.

It should also play a coordinated role in the construction of Hainan Free Trade Port and contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative, according to the circular.