The city of Changchun, Jilin province, has gotten approval from China's State Council for a 499-square-kilometer new area that will reach several districts and deal with equipment manufacturing, agricultural product processing, education, and research.

The area is expected to benefit socioeconomic development in the province, according to Liu Shuming, of the provincial development research center, who also commented on the specific benefits it is expected to bring, as follows:

1. Help for Changchun, the provincial capital, in socioeconomic development as a new growth center for Jilin over the next 10 years.

2. Great support for revitalization and development across the province.

3. Brining more jobs at hi-tech and service industries in the new district for locals, particularly college grads.

4. Better use of urban areas through integration with industries so that people can work and live in the same district.