The 25th China Potato Industry Conference kicks off in Ulaanqab city on July 21. [Photo provided to goinnermongolia.com.cn]

The city of Ulaanqab in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region is abuzz with activities, after it kicked off the ongoing 25th China Potato Industry Conference on July 21.

The conference is being organized by the Potato Professional Committee of the Crop Science Society of China and is being hosted by the Ulaanqab Potato Industry Association.

It's attracted over 1,000 experts, government officials and industry representatives from across the nation.

Over three days, participants will engage in keynote speeches and specialized discussions focusing on potato research, production and industry development in China.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit local potato producers in Ulaanqab for on-site observations.

Concurrently, the conference will feature the 2024 election meeting of the Potato Professional Committee and the International Summit on Ecological Potato Cultivation and Integrated Water-Fertilizer Management.

A view of the lush potato planting area in Ulaanqab city. [Photo provided to goinnermongolia.com.cn]

The opening ceremony was marked by the unveiling of the Inner Mongolia Potato Industry Promotion Association, regarded as being a significant milestone for the region.

In recent years, Ulaanqab has implemented its Potato Industry Efficiency and Added-Value Action Plan, striving to address various sector weaknesses, enhance strengths and leverage its competitive advantages.

The city has progressively established a comprehensive potato industry supply chain encompassing breeding, propagation, cultivation, processing and sales.

Currently, Ulaanqab boasts 37 potato processing enterprises, including two national-level and six regional-level leading operations.

The range of products has expanded from basic starch to an impressive array of 135 products across 21 categories, including French fries, potato cakes and instant noodles. The city is said to lead the nation in potato processing capacity, technological advancement and product diversity.

A nameplate unveiling ceremony for the Inner Mongolia Potato Industry Promotion Association is held during the 25th China Potato Industry Conference. [Photo/Inner Mongolia Daily]