Mongolians thriving on ethnic mix
Beijing will strengthen its drive for ethnic harmony in Inner Mongolia.
In a seminar marking the 50th anniversary of the region's autonomous government, Buhe, vice-chairman of the National People's Congress, attributed the region's rapid development to the successful implementation of the ethnic harmony policies.
Wang Zhaoguo, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said the region's success also reflected the correctness of setting up autonomous governments for areas with ethnic minorities.
Inner Mongolia's Gross Domestic Product amounted to 98.3 billion yuan (HK$91.81 billion) last year, a rise of 12 per cent from the 1995 figure. Its foreign trade also rose 11.7 per cent to US$1.2 billion (HK$9.27 billion).
The region's rural per capita income climbed 14.8 per cent to 1,602 yuan.
The party authorities will send a delegation to Hohhot, the region's capital, tomorrow to celebrate the anniversary.
Secretary of Justice Elsie Leung Oi-see will represent the SAR Government at the celebrations.
She will join the central government delegation.
