The first Baotou Innovation and Development Award Ceremony was held on Dec 29 last year to commend enterprise management teams and entrepreneurs who have made outstanding contributions to the city's high-quality economic and social development.

The secretary of the municipal Party committee delivered a speech, while academicians, mayors, and chairmen of the Chinese Academy of Engineering attended and presented awards to the winners.

Leaders of the Baotou municipal government pose for a group photo with award-winning entrepreneurs at the ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account of Baotou Daily]

"Public selection" and "selection group selection" were set up for the award.

Zhang Zhiqiang, chairman of China North Rare Earth (Group) High-tech Co, Chen Ya, general manager of Baotou Tianhe Magnetic Technology Co, and another 10 management teams and entrepreneurs won the innovation and development award, while 20 enterprises won the innovation and development nomination award. Videos on the inspiring innovation and entrepreneurship stories behind the award-winning enterprises and entrepreneurs were displayed at the ceremony, which aroused a strong resonance among the audience.