The city of Guiyang and Guian New Area – located in Southwest China's Guizhou province – have accelerated their integrated development and reportedly achieved high-quality economic and commercial growth since the start of the year.

The two became members on Jan 26 of China's online government affairs service cooperation alliance, initiated by nine provinces. The alliance allows its members to provide government affairs services to each other's residents.

That major announcement was then followed by a series of other achievements, reportedly marking striking progress being made in their continued expansion and integrated development.

On Feb 1, the Guian railway section of the Songbai loop-line was officially opened and connected with the Guiyang rail section, shortening the traveling time between the two to half an hour.

On April 28, Guiyang's Metro Line 2 opened to traffic, providing a fast and efficient rail commuting network in the city.

On Feb 26, construction started on the Hengli (Guiyang) Industrial Park in Guiyang. When completed, it will be an intelligent manufacturing center for new materials in Southwest China, with an annual output value of 26 billion yuan ($4.01 billion) and providing 15,000 jobs.

On May 11, Guizhou held an investment marketing conference in Guiyang for investors from East China's Jiangsu province. During the event, 70 contracts worth more than 88 billion yuan were signed.

On May 19, Guiyang and the Guian New Area signed a cooperation contract with Sunac China Holdings Ltd to construct more high-quality projects in the area.

In June, COFCO Coca-Cola Beverages Ltd started the construction of a new plant in Guiyang which is due to start operating at the end of the year.

On July 3, Guian hospital operated by the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University opened. The new facility has premium medical resources and it is expected to improve medical services in the Guian New Area.

On July 22, construction of the planned Suzhou-Guian Industrial Park was given the green light. The industrial park is a direct result of the investment promotion event for investors from Jiangsu province held in May.

On Aug 19, the southwest loop line of the Guiyang urban express railway began a final round of tests. The loop line is located in Guiyang and the Guian New Area and is expected to contribute to the integrated development of both areas.