INNER MONGOLIA OF THE PRC: DYNAMICS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND LANDMARKS FOR THE 14TH FIVE-YEAR PLAN (2021–2025)

Abstract

The article considers the results of socio-economic development of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in 2016–2020. The dynamics of economic indicators reveals the exhaustion of the effect of a low base; nevertheless, the regional authorities lay down optimistic targets in the adopted 14th five-year plan for 2021–2025. It is shown that the main landmarks of the IMAR economic development in the upcoming five-year plan are closely linked to national objectives. In an unstable international economic and epidemiological situation, China has unveiled a “dual circulation” strategy and focuses on improving the quality of economic growth: the focus is on the population welfare, innovations, and clean energy sources. The national energy agenda directly affects the key sector of the IMAR economy: China's stated objectives to achieve carbon neutrality dictate the need to seriously upgrade traditional technologies of energy production and to develop alternative energy sources.

   Keywords: Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, economic development, 14^th five-year plan, population welfare, ecological zoning, “dual circulation”, carbon neutrality, coal energy sector.