Fuzhou - A new state-level investment zone for businesses from Taiwan was established in the mainland's southeastern Fujian province, local authorities said Tuesday.

The investment zone, located along the Taiwan Strait in Quanzhou, was recently upgraded from the Quanzhou provincial-level Taiwanese investment zone, based on approval by the State Council, or China's Cabinet, on January 21, local authorities said.

According to related business policies, the state-level investment zone will provide more effective services and a more convenient investment environment with greater limits of authority for examinations and approvals.

Local authorities said the investment zone will focus on wind power equipment manufacturing, photoelectricity, intelligent transportation, and high-end service industries.

In the meantime, another Taiwanese investment zone in Fujian, the Fuzhou Taiwanese Investment Zone (FTIZ), was expanded to 11.46 square km from 1.8 square km.

As one of the first two Taiwanese investment zones in the mainland, the FTIZ will become a major base for metallurgy, electricity, IT, and equipment manufacturing, among others, local authorities said.