TIANJIN — A national innovation zone opened in the Binhai New Area industrial park in north China’s Tianjin Municipality on Feb 26.

The zone will cover more than 244 square kilometers, including one administrative district and 21 industrial parks.

It is a new beginning for Tianjin and the zone could set a good example for the whole country, said Cao Jianlin, vice minister of science and technology.

In December, the State Council, China’s cabinet, approved the zone, following the success of several such zones including Zhongguancun Science Park in Beijing and Zhangjiang Hi-tech Zone in Shanghai.

The innovation zone will enjoy government support in taxation, research and development financing and other fields.