Shanxi province has recently announced plans to introduce nine new provincial economic development areas, including Xinrong Economic Development Area in Datong city and Pingyao Economic Development Area in Jinzhong city.

Xinrong Economic Development Area, with a planned size of 19.98 square kilometers will house industries focusing on graphite carbon processing, new energy, and equipment manufacturing industries. Pingyao Economic Development Area, with a planned area of 19.83 sq km, is expected to provide a boost to the tourism, food processing, and new materials industries.

Other provincial economic development areas in Changzhi, Shuozhou, Yuncheng, Lyuliang and Jinzhong cities concentrate on modern coal chemical, energy saving and environmental protection, farm produce logistics, medicine, building materials, and ceramics manufacturing sectors.