Plans by Greater Manchester to become the UK’s 'leading green and digital city-region' have won backing from the Government in its new Local Industrial Strategy.
The city-region’s target is to become carbon-neutral by 2038 – 12 years ahead of the Government's aim.
The new strategy was launched by mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham with Greg Clark, secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy and deputy mayor for the economy Sir Richard Leese.
It sets out plans to consolidate the city-region’s leading position in the digital and creative sectors, as well as advanced materials manufacturing such as graphene and health innovation.
Mayor Burnham said: 'This bold and innovative joint plan between Greater Manchester and the Government puts Greater Manchester back as an industrial and social pioneer.
'This is a plan focused on people and ensuring we have the good quality jobs to ensure people can succeed now and into the future.
'In Greater Manchester, we led the first industrial revolution and are now in a position to lead the fourth.
'We want to be the UK’s leading green city-region, which is why our ambition to achieve carbon neutral living by 2038 is right at the heart of these plans.
'We will show that these plans are not just the right thing for people and the environment but also right for our economy.'