BEIJING - China's State Council, or cabinet, on Wednesday approved a plan to promote the development of its central regions.

The development of the central region, which include Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hubei and Hunan provinces, is of strategic importance in China's regional development layout, according to a statement released after a State Council meeting presided over by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

The plan outlines seven priority tasks in boosting the rise of the central regions, according to the statement.