Innovation zone

The governor said one of the key projects driving quality growth is the Changchun-Jilin Industrial Innovation Development Zone.

The zone is an important part of the renowned Changjitu program and will help Jilin integrate into the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives that were put forward by President Xi Jinping, Jiang said.

The core region of the Tumen River development area - a UNDP-endorsed transnational program involving China, Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea - is called "Changjitu", a combination of the city names of Changchun and Jilin along with Tumen in the Yanbian Korean autonomous prefecture. The State Council, China's cabinet, approved the Changjitu development plan in August 2009.

On Feb 26, the Jilin provincial government launched the Changchun-Jilin Industrial Innovation Development Zone. Agreements for six key projects with combined investment worth 42.5 billion yuan ($6.8 billion) were signed.

A wetland park in Changchun. Environmental protection is a highlight of local governments amid rapid urbanization in the province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The zone is expected to make breakthroughs in developing modern manufacturing, services and agriculture by 2020, according to the provincial government.