A new working day starts in Baotou city. [Photo/WeChat account of Baotou Daily]

The second session of the 14th Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional People's Congress convened on Jan 30 in Hohhot – capital of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region – when the government work report was delivered.

The report outlined the development achievements in 2023 and the plans for developing the region's Baotou city further.

Last year, the total output value of the hydrogen storage and equipment manufacturing industry in the entire autonomous region reached 276.2 billion yuan ($38.55 billion), with four bases in Hohhot, Baotou, Ordos and Tongliao cities accounting for 80 percent.

In addition, in 2023 the Zhejiang University-Baotou Silicon Materials Joint Research Center was established, while major industrial steel production powerhouse the Baogang Group – based in Baotou – reported a profit of 5.3 billion yuan.

Moving forwards, plans are for the autonomous region to advance a batch of landmark projects in 2024, such as an e-STORAGE photovoltaic venture in Baotou.

It will accelerate the construction of the Baotou-Yinchuan High-speed Railway, initiate a new round of State-owned enterprise reforms to propel the development of large enterprises like Baogang Group and support the recycling of Baotou wind power decommissioning equipment.

The production workshop of Baotou e-STORAGE Solar Energy Technology Co. [Photo/WeChat account of Baotou Daily]

As an old industrial base, Baotou was also urged to accelerate its industrial transformation and upgrading, as well as to spare no effort in constructing a rare earth new materials base and rare earth application base in 2024.

Furthermore, Baotou is being encouraged to strengthen its urban links. This includes establishing the Hohhot-Baotou-Ordos National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone and enhancing joint prevention and control of air pollution in Hohhot, Baotou and Ordos cities.

It will also expedite the construction of three national-level medical group pilot ventures in Baotou, Chifeng and Wuhai cities.