NW China's Altay prefecture promotes investment projects in Beijing

Altay prefecture in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region held an investment promotion conference in Beijing on April 25, attracting more than 320 representatives from nearly 200 organizations including state-owned firms, geological agencies and tourism companies.

The Altay Prefecture Investment Promotion Conference is held in Beijing, April 25, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The event, organized by the Prefectural Administrative Office of Altay Prefecture with backing from local commerce, natural resources, cultural and tourism, housing and urban-rural development departments and the Federation of Industry and Commerce, showcased the region's mineral reserves, tourism potential and real estate development opportunities.

In his keynote address, Jaynes Hades, commissioner of Altay Prefecture Administrative Office, emphasized the region's three main advantages: rich mineral reserves, distinctive tourism assets and integrated cultural-tourism real estate development. 

Hades described the region's evolution from primarily an ecological area to one with significant investment appeal, citing its strategic resources and location. He invited businesses to participate in the region's development, underscoring Altay's commitment to advancing the goals of Chinese-style modernization in Xinjiang.

Di Qingyun, director of the Institute of Geology and Geophysics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said Altay is an important national base for strategic resources, with ongoing breakthroughs in mineral exploration and increasing strategic significance. Di emphasized the region's potential for further mineral development to support local economic growth.

Wang Cheng, vice president of the China Chamber of Tourism, noted that Altay has been designated as a national hub for the ice and snow economy with growing international influence. He reaffirmed the chamber's commitment to supporting the high-quality and sustainable development of Altay's cultural and tourism sectors.

A photo of Jiangjun Hill Ski Field in Altay prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 3, 2024, shows part of the Jikepulin International Ski Resort in Altay prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo/Xinhua]

At the conference, 189 priority investment projects were introduced, covering mineral resources, tourism and real estate. The event also marked the official launch of the Altay Prefecture Green Mining Development Alliance, comprising 26 founding members, including the China Mining Association and the China Minmetals Corporation. The alliance aims to promote sustainable and responsible mining development in the region.

Since the beginning of 2025, Altay prefecture has implemented a structured investment promotion strategy, compiling industry databases and deploying various strategies, including business-led and consultant-based models. 

The resource-rich border region is targeting breakthroughs in green mining, renewable energy, tourism and agriculture as it positions itself as an ecological investment destination at home and abroad.