BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese strategists have suggested that
Xi'an, Chengdu and Chongqing become economic powerhouses as well as trade hubs
in the country's hinterland.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) publicized Friday its research on
economic planning of the
western region, which was mandated by the national
authorities on the ongoing western development.
According to the plan, Xi'an, a Chinese imperial capital rich in cultural
heritage, is envisioned as an economic, technological innovation and logistics
center. Chongqing and Chengdu, two citiesin the upper reaches of the Yangtze
River, are expected to become a manufacturing base and a higher education center
respectively.
The experts said that the three economic centers, coordinating with their
satellite cities, should focus on high technologies, dual-use mechanical and
electronic manufacturing, modern agricultural bases, the energy industry and the
services sector.
Meanwhile, the experts highlighted another seven city groups, led by
Lanzhou, Kunming, Urumqi, Hohhot, Yinchuan, Nanning and Guiyang, which should be
regarded as vital supporting areas for the three economic metropolitan regions.
Liu Weidong, a researcher at the CAS Institute of Geography andResources,
who is responsible for the planning, said that absolute balance in economic
development in the western region is unrealistic, so the three economic
metropolises should play more important roles. Enditem
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