The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently announced the 2024 list of featured industry clusters for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Qing district in Baotou city was prominently highlighted for its photovoltaic equipment industry cluster.

A featured industry cluster for SMEs refers to an industrial cluster led by SMEs and guided by new development concepts. It is characterized by strong core competitiveness, a concentration of leading industries, prominent advantages, distinctive features, the aggregation of resources and factors, efficient collaborative networks, and comprehensive governance and services.

The photovoltaic equipment industry cluster in Qingshan uses the aggregated production capacities of leading photovoltaic manufacturers such as Hongyuan, JA Solar, and Canadian Solar. In 2023, the cluster achieved a total industrial output of 30.69 billion yuan ($4.31 billion).

Cultivating featured industry clusters for SMEs is significant for enhancing their core competitiveness, stimulating economic vitality, improving the supply chain, and supporting the capabilities of key segments within the industrial chain.

In recent years, Baotou city has utilized policy and financial support to foster and build featured industry clusters for SMEs and other clusters. The city currently boasts eight featured SME industry clusters at the autonomous region level and one at the national level.

Baotou city will continue to support the construction of featured industry clusters for SMEs.