The State Council decided to establish a new district in Harbin city, Heilongjiang province, as an effort to implement the Belt and Road initiative and revitalize the old industrial base in northeast China.

On Dec 22, the State Council published the reply to Heilongjiang provincial government, issuing the decision to establish the Harbin new district that includes Harbin’s current Songbei district, Hulan district and a section of Pingfang district.

According to its decision, the new district, which covers 493 square kilometers, has a solid foundation of technology and industry and will serve as an engine to carry out comprehensive China-Russia cooperation, boost economic development in northeast China, and build special international culture and tourism cluster.

The State Council also stressed that the government of Heilongjiang province should make a well-managed plan regarding city layout, environmental protection, and land and water utilization.

Harbin is the capital of China’s northeast Heilongjiang province which used to be the country’s industrial bases.