Xiongan New Area in Hebei province, which will soon start construction, is calling for worldwide competitive bids for the planning and design of the area's first phase, a local government official said on Wednesday.

The zone designated for the first phase will have a footprint of 30 square kilometers, Niu Jingfeng, deputy head of the area's preparatory committee, said at a news conference.

The work of land requisition is about to begin. That will be followed by residential demolition and the resettlement of villagers, and then by infrastructure and ecological projects, he said.

"Constructing the Xiongan New Area, which is of national significance, is a very challenging historical test for Hebei," Niu said, adding that the province is determined to "obtain good marks".

Niu said the area has set up a leading group for the area's planning and construction, led by the province's Party chief, Zhao Kezhi, and Governor Xu Qin, the top two government officials in Hebei.

Under their leadership, first-class institutions and high-end talent are drafting development plans for the area.

Hebei has also established a committee for the area's preparatory work.

The committee has taken over some jobs from the three counties included in the new area - Xiongxian, Rongcheng and Anxin. It will handle administration, personnel, Party affairs and the maintenance of social stability.

Since June, Hebei has been closely involved in the three counties' planning, land use, household registration, real property transactions and construction. It has successfully stopped real estate and vehicle speculation, as well as illegal residence registration and construction, Niu said.

In the next step, the area will embark on a series of programs for administrative management reform, innovation for investment and financing systems, and equalization of public services.

zhangyu1@chinadaily.com.cn