Dancers perform during the celebration marking the 70th anniversary of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Aug. 8, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Yu urged more detailed and complete policies under regional ethnic autonomy to fill the economic gaps between different areas and handle other social issues.

At the same time, he urged the autonomous region to remain vigilant for separatists from overseas, and keep the country's northern border stable and prosperous.

Inner Mongolia's gross regional product reached 1.86 trillion yuan ($278 billion) in 2016. Per capita, that amounts to 74,000 yuan, putting it in sixth place among China's provinces and regions, according to Li Jiheng, the Party chief of the autonomous region.

The region is also the country's biggest coal producer and electric power provider. "Development is more coordinated, and reforms have been strengthened," Li said. "Society is now focused on improving people's livelihood."

In 2011, 2.58 million people in Inner Mongolia were living in poverty, but that number dropped to 556,000 in 2016, Li said.

Yu encouraged improved, creative and diverse industries with the unique characteristics of Inner Mongolia. He also suggested continuing to reduce excessive production capacity, guarding against financial problems while building infrastructure, and safeguarding the environment while developing the economy.