Premier Li Keqiang said the Shenyang-Fushun new district in Liaoning province should be built as a pilot zone of reform and innovation, driving the growth of the province and the northeastern region.

He made the remarks at a panel discussion with deputies from Northeast China’s Liaoning province at the first session of the 13th National People’s Congress in Beijing on March 8.

Mayor of Shenyang said the city will play a key role as a central city in the region and accelerate the construction of the Shenyang-Fushun new district.

Shenyang and Fushun are two large neighboring cities, a unique condition for substantial growth, Premier Li said.