The State Council released a circular on April 30, approving a plan to construct a special zone to transform old growth drivers into new ones in Jinan city, East China's Shandong province.

The zone, as required by the circular, should follow the decisions from the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, uphold new development concepts, and build up a new development pattern.

It should accelerate the transition between old and new growth drivers, innovate urban development, protect ecological environment, deepen opening-up and cooperation, and improve institutions and mechanisms, for sustainable high-quality development, the circular read.

The authority of Shandong province should strengthen organization and leadership with corresponding policies to ensure the full implementation of the plan as scheduled.

The National Development and Reform Commission should step up analysis, supervision, and inspection on the implementation, and report major issues to the State Council in a timely manner.