The State Council approved plans for the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone, Guangzhou Daily reported Thursday.

The region will be constructed to be a key economic center in western China. It is expected to be the country's modern industrial base by 2015.

According to the proposal, the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone, covering over 200,000 square kilometers, will be comprised of 31 districts and counties in Chongqing municipality and 15 cities in Sichuan province.

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Eight industries – including equipment manufacturing, auto accessories, the electric information and aviation – were listed as the key industries for development.

Experts said the zone may become the “fourth pole” to boost the nation's economic growth, following the Bohai Bay, the Yangtze River and the Pearl River Delta regions.

The plan will create development opportunities for some second tier cities between Chengdu and Chongqing.

Experts said listed companies in the infrastructure industry may become the initial benefiters, according to the report.