China welcomes world to Xiongan

China invites the world to bring projects to Xiongan New Area－which is designed to relieve Beijing of the burden of services unrelated to its status as the nation's capital－He Lifeng, minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, said during a news conference on the sidelines of the first session of the 13th National People's Congress.

Financial services represents one of those, He said, responding to a question from a journalist about cooperation with the United Kingdom.

"Projects from the world over that can meet high quality requirements are welcome," He said.

Other areas ripe for cooperation include technology and infrastructure construction, the government has said.

Development of Xiongan New Area is making steady progress, He said, noting that an administration has been set up and talent is being recruited from around the country.

Up to 12 design teams from home and abroad have essentially completed the plan for the area.

"Some projects, such as the intercity railway between Beijing and Xiongan and the afforestation project have already started," He said, adding that in the future construction will advance with steady steps. Functions currently handled in Beijing that are unrelated to the nation's capital functions will be transferred to Xiongan gradually, he said.

Some existing needs, such as remediation of water, gas and electrical facilities and the renovation of freshwater Baiyangdian Lake, will be addressed over time, He said.