Ten years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the need for institutional innovation to breathe new life into the old industrial base spanning Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning. Fast-forward to today, and reform paired with opening up is reshaping the northeast into a dynamic hub of growth.
Across the region, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have undergone deep restructuring. Take Benxi’s historic Bensteel Group: merged with Ansteel Group, it revamped its corporate system and pivoted towards advanced manufacturing. This blueprint has been scaled region-wide, streamlining state-owned assets and forging stronger ties between central and local SOEs.
But it’s not just about factories. Enhancing the business environment and diversifying the economy have unlocked new drivers. The so-called “ice and snow economy” in Harbin is a prime example. During the eight-day Spring Festival, the city welcomed a record 12.15 million tourists—a 20.4% jump—generating 19.15 billion yuan in revenue, up 16.6% year-on-year.
On the trade front, the northeast posted its fourth consecutive year of record foreign trade in 2024. Total trade hit 1.25 trillion yuan, with exports climbing 8.1%, outpacing the national average. These numbers reflect a region that is more open, competitive, and connected to global markets.
From revitalized steel plants to snow-covered ski resorts, northeast China’s journey shows how targeted reforms and open policies can transform heritage industries and spark new growth engines. As the region embraces tech upgrades, private-sector vitality, and sustainability, it’s carving out a fresh identity—one where tradition meets innovation.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, northeast China’s revival offers a blueprint: harness policy, foster collaboration, and celebrate local assets to ignite comprehensive development.
Reference(s):
Reform, opening up revitalizes old industrial base in northeast China
cgtn.com
