The Central Plains Economic Zone, or CPEZ, is a region encompassing the inland areas of China. It is home to some of the oldest and most developed cities in the country, like Zhengzhou and Xian. This zone is identified by its hinterland location, strong potential for development, and its low natural disaster risk.
The CPEZ has been designated by the central government as the key region in China’s national strategy for balanced development, with the aim of realizing the common prosperity of the whole country. Proposed in 2009 and officially launched in 2011, the CPEZ is planned to cover an area of 500 thousand square kilometers, spanning six provinces in northern and central China. This zone acts as an important economic center and plays a significant role in the “One Belt, One Road” strategy which aims to link China with other economies around the world.
The CPEZ is a vast area. It includes the region’s major cities, with the focus of investment on Zhengzhou, Hefei, Xuzhou, Wuhan, Xi’an, Jinan, Zhengzhou, Chengdu and Linfen. Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province are also included in the zone.
The economic outlook for the CPEZ is encouraging. In 2016, the region had a gross domestic product (GDP) of 4.8 trillion yuan, accounting for 22 percent of China’s total GDP. Although growth has slowed down over the past few years, the CPEZ still has potential for development.
The CPEZ boasts a wealth of resources, and the development of industries like agriculture, finance and high-tech have been supported by the availability of fertile soils and easy access to markets. The zone has enjoyed rapid growth in the automotive, shipbuilding and nuclear energy industries, making it a strategic location for foreign investors.
The CPEZ is also a popular destination for tourists, providing a unique combination of cultural attractions, cities and rural scenery. Major attractions include the Shaanxi province Museum, the Great Wall, the Dazu Rock Carvings and the Yellow Mountain. It is also home to the Qinshihuang World Heritage site and the world renowned Terracotta Warriors.
As an economic zone, the CPEZ will be an important driver of development and growth in China in the future. The region’s vast resources, rapidly developing industries, unique attractions, and good infrastructure make it a desirable place for both investors and tourists. With the continuing support of both the central and local governments, the CPEZ has the potential to become an even more prosperous and widely recognized hub of activity in the years to come.
