BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese strategists have suggested that Xi'an, Chengdu and Chongqing become economic powerhouses as well as trade hubs in the country's hinterland.

　　The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) publicized Friday its research on economic planning of the western region, which was mandated by the national authorities on the ongoing western development.

　　According to the plan, Xi'an, a Chinese imperial capital rich in cultural heritage, is envisioned as an economic, technological innovation and logistics center. Chongqing and Chengdu, two citiesin the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, are expected to become a manufacturing base and a higher education center respectively.

　　The experts said that the three economic centers, coordinating with their satellite cities, should focus on high technologies, dual-use mechanical and electronic manufacturing, modern agricultural bases, the energy industry and the services sector.

　　Meanwhile, the experts highlighted another seven city groups, led by Lanzhou, Kunming, Urumqi, Hohhot, Yinchuan, Nanning and Guiyang, which should be regarded as vital supporting areas for the three economic metropolitan regions.

　　Liu Weidong, a researcher at the CAS Institute of Geography andResources, who is responsible for the planning, said that absolute balance in economic development in the western region is unrealistic, so the three economic metropolises should play more important roles. Enditem