Bi Xiaobin, director of the Management Committee of the Jiangbei Industry Zone. [Wang Wei/China.org.cn]

In the next 10 to 20 years, two new cities will emerge from the present Jiangbei and Jiangnan industry zones along the Wanjiang River, the Anhui section of Yangtze River.

This is part of planned "Anhui Demonstration Zone for Industrial Relocation into cities along the Yangtze River" that's been underway since last January.

Under the direct jurisdiction of Anhui Province, the Jiangbei and Jiangnan industry zones each cover an area of around 200 square kilometers and are based along the northern and southern Yangtze River respectively.

Bi Xiaobin, director of the Management Committee of the Jiangbei Industry Zone told China.org.cn that the industry zone is neither oriented toward a development area or as an industrial park, but rather a new city with industries as major support.

According to Bi, the zone will mainly incorporate industries such as equipment manufacturing, electronics, innovative and high technology, energy saving & environmental protection, new energy, new material, culture and education as well as modern services.

Wang Chunsheng, vice director of the Management Committee of the Jiangnan Industry Zone. [Wang Wei/China.org.cn]

As for the Jiangnan Industry Zone, Wang Chunsheng, vice director of its management committee, projected extensive population growth.

"Right now, there are only about 50,000 farmers in the industry zone, but our next aim is to build a new city with a population of one million," Wang said. "Starting from zero, it will lead the way not only as a demonstration zone for industrial relocation, but as a model of labor transfer."

Wang added that for the next three to five years, both industry zones will largely focus on environmentally friendly investments.