Construction work started on Shanxi Demonstration Area for Economic Transformation and Reform on April 27. The new area will pilot new economic policies and systems.

The area extends 600 square kilometers from Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi province, to the neighboring city Jinzhong.

The construction of 71 projects costing more than 100 billion yuan ($14.5 billion) was also announced at the ground-breaking ceremony.

"The demonstration area should set a good example to development zones across Shanxi in carrying out high-quality, ecofriendly and high-tech projects based on open operations and people-oriented services," said Lou Yangsheng, governor of Shanxi, before visiting companies participating in construction projects in the area.

Another 30 projects to be set up in the demonstration area were also agreed, attracting investment of 55.6 billion yuan.