Strengthened economy

After the autonomous region was founded, Inner Mongolia's economy immediately stepped on to a track of fast growth, according to Chu.

Five years later, the region's agricultural and industrial output value, grain production and the number of animals increased by 120 percent, 88.9 percent and 72.2 percent respectively.

The following five years saw further growth in industrial and agricultural output values, and railway and highway lengths, with growth rates standing at 290 percent, 14.2 percent, 52.7 percent and 170 percent respectively.

The region's economy, however, suffered a setback during the "cultural revolution" (1966-1976).

Then, when the country began to implement reform and opening-up programs in 1978, Inner Mongolia entered a golden period of economic development.

In 1988, the region's GDP doubled 1980 figures, and in 1995, the GDP had quadrupled that in 1980.

During the 10th Five-Year Plan (2001-05), the region maintained an economic growth rate higher than the national average and for four consecutive years since 2003, it has ranked first in the nation in terms of such growth rate.

In 2006, Inner Mongolia's GDP reached 479 billion yuan, ranking 17th in the country, compared with 24th in 2000. Its per capita GDP was 20,047 yuan, ranking 10th nationwide, compared with 16th in 2000.