Development zone in Sichuan set to 'boost western growth'

The newly approved national-level Tianfu new area in Sichuan province is expected to boost economic growth in the western region and strengthen reform and opening-up in inland China, experts said.

The State Council approved the new area as a national-level development zone on Tuesday. It is the fifth national-level development zone in western China and the 11th in the country.

A statement from the State Council, China's cabinet, said the Tianfu new area will explore new ways of development and opening-up in the western regions, enhance economic growth in the inland regions and push forward economic restructuring.