Construction of large-scale iron, steel and petrochemical projects in Zhanjiang of Guangdong province will begin this year, presenting a huge opportunity to boost the local economy, the city's mayor said.

"The projects will help optimize the country's industrial distribution. Most importantly, we will have a big leap in economic development after the two projects are finished," Wang Zhongbing said.

Both projects, in Zhanjiang's Donghai Island, will be put into operation in 2015, Wang said.