The State Council approved the plan to develop urban clusters in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, according to a circular released on Feb 24.

While stressing full and accurate implementation of the new development concept, the circular calls for accelerated building of a new development pattern and further reform and opening-up for high-quality progress driven by innovation.

The advantages and features of Jiangxi, Hubei and Hunan provinces should be highlighted, the circular said.

An urban cluster network should be optimized with multiple centers to play as a space hub in the unified market of the country, it added.

The urban clusters, with international influence, should provide important support for the rise of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the central region, and act as a highland for high-quality growth, according to the circular.