The State Council has approved upgrading a high-tech industrial development zone in Anqing, East China's Anhui province, to a national industrial development zone, according to a circular issued on Dec 30.

The upgraded Anqing development zone will cover an area of 9.588 square kilometers, and the specific boundaries will be announced by related departments, the circular stated.

The zone is expected to energize development of the country’s central regions and the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and help foster a modernized economic system, according to the circular.

It should further promote innovation, gather talent while cultivating high-tech enterprises, industries and science and technology, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to boost upgrades in the real economy.

The circular also urged the zone to strictly abide by national land use plans and other related guidelines, and go through approval procedures for land use according to regulations. Construction of the zone should be based on the principles of economical and intensive use of land resources.

Related departments should strengthen leadership and management of the zone and explore a sound ecosystem to speed up its high-quality development, the circular said.