The annual meeting on the development of industry in ethnic minority areas of Inner Mongolia autonomous region is held at Inner Mongolia Normal University in Hohhot, the region's capital, on Jan 19. [Photo/imnu.edu.cn] 

A meeting was held to discuss the development of industries in ethnic minority areas of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, at Inner Mongolia Normal University in Hohhot, the region's capital, on Jan 19.

Over 80 academics from a number of universities and colleges took part in the annual event, discussing topics such as rural development, policies to promote the private sector, and government initiatives help small and medium-size enterprises, as well as ethnic minority entrepreneurs.

Wang Laixi, the vice-chancellor of IMNU, said that the development of the economy in ethnic minority areas would usher in many new opportunities, especially with the continuing development of the Belt and Road Initiative.