The State Council has approved establishing a China-Philippines joint demonstration zone for economic innovative development in Zhangzhou, East China's Fujian province, according to a circular issued on Jan 19.

The circular urged the zone to strengthen strategic cooperation, align with high-standard international economic and trade rules, and enhance institutional and mechanisms innovation, in order to deepen economic and trade collaboration between China and the Philippines, advancing efficient and coordinated industrial development.

By giving play to the complementary advantages of economic cooperation with ASEAN countries, the zone should explore the international division of labor and cooperation mode integrating the industrial chain, supply chain and value chain, building a new arena for ASEAN countries’ economic cooperation and communication, the circular said.

The local government should strengthen leadership and management of the zone, according to the circular.

Related departments of the State Council should enhance guidance and services accordingly, the circular said.