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Speakers:

Ms. Wang Lixia, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee and chairwoman of Inner Mongolia autonomous region

Mr. Huang Zhiqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee and executive vice chairman of Inner Mongolia autonomous region

Mr. Yang Jin, vice chairman of Inner Mongolia autonomous region

Mr. Gong Mingzhu, director of the Development and Reform Commission of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

Chairperson:

Ms. Xing Huina, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

June 7, 2024

Xing Huina:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 28th briefing in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we have invited Ms. Wang Lixia, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee and chairwoman of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, to brief you on prioritizing high-quality development in Inner Mongolia and building a model autonomous region in an all-round manner, and to take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Huang Zhiqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee and executive vice chairman of Inner Mongolia autonomous region; Mr. Yang Jin, vice chairman of Inner Mongolia autonomous region; and Mr. Gong Mingzhu, director of the Development and Reform Commission of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Now, I'll give the floor to Ms. Wang for her introduction.

Wang Lixia:

Good morning, everyone. It's a great pleasure to meet you here. First of all, on behalf of the CPC Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee, the regional government and all the residents of various ethnic groups in the region, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for your long-term interest in as well as support and assistance for the development of Inner Mongolia.

In June last year, General Secretary Xi Jinping made his fourth visit to Inner Mongolia, encouraging us to prioritize high-quality development and forge new paths toward Chinese modernization. This has greatly inspired the officials and residents across the region. In October last year, the Opinions of the State Council on Promoting the High-Quality Development of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Striving to Write a Brand-new Chapter of Chinese Path to Modernization was issued, providing significant policy and historical opportunities for the development of the autonomous region. We have encapsulated General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches and instructions regarding Inner Mongolia into two major initiatives. The first is to accomplish the five major tasks assigned by the general secretary, namely, building Inner Mongolia into a major ecological security shield for north China as well as a shield of safety and stability for the northern border, which we generally refer to as the "two shields;" developing the autonomous region into a major national base for energy and strategic resources as well as a major national production base for agricultural and livestock products, commonly known as the "two bases;" and building the region into an important gateway in China's northward opening up. The second initiative is to build a model autonomous region in an all-round manner. Bearing in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping's instructions with gratitude, we are currently pressing ahead with united efforts to advance the two major initiatives and vigorously promote high-quality development. The northern border of our motherland is presenting a vibrant and prosperous scene. I am very honored and pleased to have this opportunity to introduce Inner Mongolia to you all today.

Inner Mongolia boasts majestic natural beauty. Among the provincial-level regions in China, it has the largest span from east to west, stretching approximately 2,400 kilometers. The sun rises over Hulun Buir in the east and takes two hours to reach Ejin Banner in the west. Across its vast 1.18 million square kilometers of land, you will find beautiful sprawling forests, expansive grasslands, extensive wetlands and vast deserts. There is a well-known song that vividly captures the grandeur of Inner Mongolia's scenery: "Beautiful grasslands, my home; the wind blows the green grass and flowers bloom everywhere; butterflies flit amid a chorus of birdsong; a stretch of lucid water reflects the evening glow."

Inner Mongolia is experiencing a remarkable surge in development. Over the past two years, the region's growth has accelerated significantly, with major economic indicators consistently ranking among the top in the nation. Notably, last year, the growth rates of Inner Mongolia's GDP, fixed asset investment, and total import-export volume all ranked among the top three nationwide, while the growth rate of value-added by industrial enterprises above the designated size ranked seventh. A number of major projects with long-term benefits have been implemented. This year, we initiated six major projects regarding policy implementation, desertification prevention and control as well as wind and photovoltaic power integration, heating, integrity building, and technological breakthroughs and free trade zone development. These initiatives aim to shore up weak links in the high-quality development and accelerate our progress toward the goal of breaking new ground and advancing to the middle tier.

High-quality development has transformed Inner Mongolia. As we all know, the region is richly endowed, with dense forests in the east, iron mines in the west, fertile grain-producing lands in the south, and lush grasslands in the north. Its riches can be found underground, on the surface and in the air. Underground, the reserves of more than 20 minerals rank first nationwide, earning the region the title of the country's mineral vault. On the surface, the region's farmlands, grasslands, and forests rank among the top nationwide. High above the ground, exploitable wind power and solar energy resources rank first and second in the country, respectively. These abundant resources lay a solid foundation and present an enormous advantage for the development of Inner Mongolia. Building on our resources and strategic position, we have established eight major industrial clusters and 16 important industrial chains. Several industries continue to expand with great growth potential and development resilience. Leading industries, such as new energy, new rare earth materials, and modern coal chemicals, have made significant gains in the domestic market. Famous brands like Yili and Mengniu in the dairy industry and Erdos in clothing have gained international recognition.

Various ethnic groups live harmoniously and help each other in Inner Mongolia. Since ancient times, many ethnic groups have inhabited the Inner Mongolia Plateau, with continued interactions and integration. Since the establishment of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region 77 years ago, government officials and the public have worked together to earn and uphold its title as a model autonomous region, which is a high accolade. Today, a total of 56 ethnic groups live in the autonomous region. Different ethnic groups live in the same villages and communities; they study in the same school classes, and work in the same enterprises. Living, studying, working and enjoying life together, these different ethnic groups embrace each other just like pomegranate seeds sticking together.

Inner Mongolia offers a modern, convenient lifestyle. The autonomous region is located on the northern border of China. However, this geographical situation doesn't hinder residents from enjoying modern life. High-speed trains can take passengers from the cities of Hohhot, Ulanqab, Chifeng and Tongliao to Beijing within two hours. Expressways connect all 12 leagues and cities of the autonomous region, and 103 banners and counties can be reached by first-class highways or above. Residents in small border towns and remote pastures can access schools and hospitals without traveling far. Smart home appliances, broadband networks, and express delivery and food takeaway services are available to ordinary people in the depths of the grasslands. Additionally, a new trend has emerged among herders, who now monitor their herds and shoot short videos with their smartphones.

That's all from me for now. My colleagues and I are ready to take your questions. Thank you, everyone.

Xing Huina:

The floor is now open to questions. Please identify the media outlet you represent before asking your question.