Inner Mongolia, an inland autonomous region in China, may be less familiar to foreigners. However, with its vast land area, it holds significant potential for economic development. Our reporter Wang Tianyu accompanied a group of business delegates exploring cooperation opportunities in the region. Take a look.

When we think about Inner Mongolia in northern China, what comes to mind? Vast grasslands, cows and sheep, or the famous warm milk tea? I was travelling with a group of business delegates in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

They are from around 40 foreign-invested companies, chambers of commerce and trade organizations, and they came to visit local factories and plants and more importantly, seek future investment and cooperation opportunities.

WON YOON-JAE Executive Vice President China-Korea Chamber of Commerce "I think through this event, we are able to feel the Chinese government's commitment to revitalizing the local economy."

From the production lines of photovoltaic panels, truck factories, to even the dairy product plants, the orderly working patterns of those automated equipment impressed the business representatives a lot.

MOON EUN-HYE Deputy Director General Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency Beijing "China is a country that has developed greatly in solar energy, and it was very impressive to be able to experience China's advanced solar energy technology firsthand."

YAMAMOTO SATOSHI Deputy Director General Japan External Trade Organization Beijing "I believe that Inner Mongolia is extremely rich in energy and mineral resources, so I feel that there is a chance to combine Japanese technology in these areas and create good business."

WANG TIANYU Baotou City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region "The new energy sector is where Inner Mongolia has advantages on; most of the landscapes here are flat lands, plus the enough sunshine, which has made this area a perfect location for new energy industry."

The favorable conditions of new energy development in Inner Mongolia have attracted more and more enterprises to come, and the industry's supply chain is becoming more and more integrated.

YE JIANQUN General Manager Shuangliang Solar-Tech (Baotou) "Energy is important now for each country because it's the blood of industry. That's why we come to Inner Mongolia for this [new energy] industry. We want to come near to the customers."

In 2023, Inner Mongolia received over 60 percent more foreign investment than the previous year.

It marked the seventh consecutive year of growth. More than 160 new foreign-invested enterprises settled in the region last year, more than tripling from 2022.

These numbers have already shown Inner Mongolia's growing appeal to global investors, but the government has not stopped, and continues to put more effort into growing the region.

Thanks to the combined management of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and local government, the business representatives could speak directly to the related government officials about what they need.

XIA XUEYING Vice President Schneider Electric China "I got very satisfactory responses. Some of my requests were made on the spur of the moment, but they are based on actual difficulties. The energy bureau's official has provided me great feedback. I hope that in the future we can truly contribute to Inner Mongolia in terms of the energy sector."

During the trip, some foreign-invested companies and trade organizations showed interest in investing in Inner Mongolia or cooperate with the local companies. Their future presence will make the region's supply and industrial chains even more solid, which is beneficial for both sides.

REN HONGBIN Chairman China Council for the Promotion of International Trade "The Chinese supply chain and the international supply chain are interdependent. The cooperation in the supply and industrial chains is a core element in strengthening our economic, trade, and industrial cooperation with the international community."

(Source: CGTN)