Economy

China expands Shenzhen special economic zone

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-02 18:25

SHENZHEN: The State Council of China has approved the expansion of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in an effort to accelerate its development, the legislature of the booming town in south China announced Wednesday.

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Starting on July 1, Baoan and Longgang districts will be officially incorporated into the SEZ, increasing its total area to 1,953 square kilometers from 396 at present, the legislature said at a press conference.

The move is expected to offer more space to enhance Shenzhen's scientific innovative capacity and seek balanced development in the city, one of China's first group of SEZs set up in 1980, according to the approval.

SEZs were considered as showcases of China's reform and opening-up when it initiated the drive more than 30 years ago.