A leading team and office to promote the synergetic development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province has been set up by China’s cabinet, with Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli appointed director, people.cn reported on Aug 8.

Integration of Beijing with its two neighboring provincial areas will be speeded up after the creation of this office, said Hu Cunzhi, vice-minster of the Land and Resources Ministry.

The three regions are new engines that will boost China’s economy growth, said Xu Yaotong, professor of China National Administration School. The integration of these areas will get a substantial boost, he added.