CHANGCHUN -- China's State Council has approved a plan to establish Changchun New Area in the northeastern province of Jilin.

The planned 499-square-kilometer new area, covering several districts in the city of Changchun, is expected to promote the Belt and Road Initiative and economic growth in northeast China.

Changchun New Area has strong advantages in equipment manufacturing, agricultural products processing, education and research, experts said.

Song Donglin, president of Jilin University of Finance and Economics, said Changchun New Area can be effectively linked with the Belt and Road Initiative.

The new area will promote structural transformation of the regional economy and help the future growth in northeast China, he said.