China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region has stepped into a golden age with its neighboring Mongolia to deepen their mutual cooperation in economic and cultural development, which has been strongly fueled by frequent youth exchanges.

The China, Russia and Mongolia Roundtable Meeting for Young Leaders in 2015 began on Sept 27 in Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, with a theme of development and exchanges among young people. The meeting is part of the Belt and Road Initiative, which is expected to help upgrade China's economy.

In the three-day meeting, representatives of the three governments discussed how to implement a strategic development plan on the economic belt - a national blueprint approved by all three state leaders in July - and how to deepen communication among young people.

After the trilateral meeting, the participants concluded with agreements that include building a regional club for young entrepreneurs, marking a new phase of development and cooperation for the youth organization.

The meeting also bore witness to expanded cooperation between the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and Mongolia in recent years, which has presented opportunities to further business and cultural cooperation.

"The massive Chinese market has presented huge potential on cooperation for Mongolia in many sectors, such as the organic food market, minerals and the animal husbandry industries," said B Battubshin, president and CEO of the Mongolian Youth Federation.

In Mongolia, young talents have sprung up in many fields, including politics, economics, culture, art and sports, he said.

"Many young people have a strong interest in economic development, and the rapid growth in economy and infrastructure development has presented excellent models for our young people," he said.

In addition, to promote cultural exchanges, Inner Mongolia hosted Mongolia Cultural Week in Hohhot and Erdos from July 5 through 9, to showcase the neighboring culture through activities including exhibitions, dance shows and forums.

"The cultural communication could help us approach each other and bring us closer in mind," said Tong Guoqing, head of the culture bureau of the autonomous region's government at the opening ceremony of the cultural week.

He said Inner Mongolia connects with Mongolia and shares similar cultural origins and a long friendship throughout history, making the two good neighbors.

Gantulga, head of the primary education department of the culture and education ministry of Mongolia, said the cultural week promotes cooperation between the neighbors.

"I hold high confidence on our carefully prepared shows and exhibitions to demonstrate the rich contents of our culture, history, natural scenery and living customs," he said.

zhengjinran@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 10/21/2015 page6)