The 11th China Baotou Rare Earth Industry Forum opened in the city of Baotou in Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Sept 20, local officials said.

The event aims to promote global partnerships and exchanges in trade, manufacturing, research and applications, according to a report in the  Baotou Daily.

Government officials, industrial leaders and experts attended the event.

They included Ai Lihua, deputy chairwoman of Inner Mongolia People’s Government, officials from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, as well as academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Wang Xiulian, deputy mayor of Baotou, presided over the forum.

With a focus on new ideas for China’s new era, the forum focused on the current state of development in the rare earth industry and its future direction.

The organizers said it provided opportunities for attendees to cover a wide variety of topics, with seven sub-meeting venues set up.

The forum saw the release of various policy and industry news.

Baotou, China's leading supplier of rare earth materials, has long been committed to developing its rare earth industry -- with Baotou Rare Earth Hi-Tech Zone serving as its base.

The city has successfully hosted 10 sessions of the forum since 2009, boosting its image throughout the industry.