The State Council approved a plan to revitalize and develop areas with special characteristics, helping them better solve problems and play supporting roles during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), according to a circular released on Oct 8.

The areas include underdeveloped regions, old revolutionary base areas, border areas, ecologically degraded areas, resource-rich areas and old industrial cities.

Governments at provincial levels should strengthen their leading role in organization, integrate tasks and measures clarified in the plan with the economic and social development laid out in local plans.

In addition, major policies and projects involved in the plan must be applied for approval in accordance with established procedures.

Relevant departments of the State Council should create a favorable environment with sound policies for these regions’ revitalization and development, and give full play to the role of inter-ministerial joint conferences in supporting the revitalization of Gannan (southern Jiangxi province) and other parts of the former Central Soviet areas, the compensation work for ecological protection and the comprehensive management of areas affected by coal mining-induced subsidence.

The circular also concluded the National Development and Reform Commission should strengthen comprehensive coordination and services, follow up the implementation of the plan and report major matters to the State Council in a timely manner.