Government officials from Hangzhou and Huzhou sign an agreement to build the Hangzhou Metropolitan Zone on July 22. [Photo/Huzhou Fabu WeChat]

The cities of Hangzhou and Huzhou in East China's Zhejiang province announced that they will join hands to build the Hangzhou Metropolitan Zone on July 22.

According to the agreement, both cities will take advantage of the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region to deepen cooperation in developing the new zone.

The province decided to build the Hangzhou Metropolitan Zone in order to connect cities in the region more closely. Through the development of industrial platforms, public services and urbanization, formerly independent resources, regional strategies, policies and working mechanisms of various cities will be integrated and unified.

Hangzhou and Huzhou have a lot in common due to their geographical proximity. In the past, the two cities have enjoyed strong cooperation in industry, transportation, environment and quality of life. Moving forward, they will establish new coordinated systems for public services, transportation, culture, tourism, and administrative affairs.