Regional plans gather pace

BEIJING - China is quickening its pace in rolling out regional development plans this year to foster more economic growth engines and tackle regional development imbalances.

China's cabinet is likely to approve the regional plan for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area later this year, making it the country's third city cluster and key economic driver.

"The plan, which has been submitted to the State Council for approval, includes Beijing, Tianjin and eight cities in Hebei province," a government source confirmed with China Daily.