East China's Shandong province pledged to provide support for Qingdao and Jinan in their quest to become national central cities, according to the government work report delivered by Governor Gong Zheng on Jan 18 during the third session of the 13th Shandong Provincial People's Congress.

Gong said that the province hopes to develop cities with global influence. 

The provincial government will issue guidelines for the integrated development of three major economic circles, with the first being the provincial capital (Jinan) economic circle, the second being the Jiaodong economic circle, and the third being the Southern Shandong economic circle. It will also work to develop functional zones and launch preferential policies to guide the development of various regions.

According to the government work report, the Shandong government will assist Jinan and Qingdao by extending their global transport links, strengthening their internationally competitive industries, and perfecting their urban layout.

Gong said that efforts should be made to develop the Jinan and Qingdao metropolitan areas and improve their overall competitiveness in technical innovation and talent aggregation. 

The third session of the 13th Shandong Provincial People's Congress commences in Jinan on Jan 18. [Photo/dzwww.com]

Governor Gong Zheng delivers the government work report at the third session of the 13th Shandong Provincial People's Congress on Jan 18. [Photo/dzwww.com]