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Harbin, "Revitalized Economy"

 
Heilongjiang（黑龙江） or 'Black Dragon River' Province derives its name from the rich black topsoil of the area. In spite of its northern latitude and very frigid winters, Heilongjiang is referred to as China's 'Bread Basket.' Historically, the region was the primary source of grain, timber, oil and coal. Heilongjiang and Harbin（哈尔滨） were at the center of China's State-planned mining, steel production, and heavy engineering industrial period, but as China's market economy evolved, these State-operated industries declined along with Harbin's economic fortunes.

Harbin has gone through a series of dramatic changes and renewed development over the past few years thanks to a Central Government-led initiative known as 'Revitalize the Northeast.' A US $1.8 billion Harbin-Daqing-Qiqihar (HDQ) industrial corridor development initiative is currently under way, and is expected to continue over the next 15 years. Pearl River and Yangtze River Delta development successes indicate just how important regional co-operation can be to development. Northeast China's economic integration is enabling the rapid development of its three provinces: Jilin（吉林）, Liaoning（辽宁）, and Heilongjiang. Co-operation, resource sharing as well as information and planning remain key to HDQ Initiative success. Located at the geographic center of the region, Harbin is benefiting as neighboring Korean and Japan continue a shift from manufacturing to high-tech industries. Heilongjiang's geographic location on China's border with the Russian Far East, its wealth of natural resources, and bountiful supply of skilled labor all reinforce the Northeast's revitalization.

Harbin At a Glance
Population	9.6 Million
GDP	$17.15 billion (2004)
GDP Growth Rate	17% (2003/04)
GDP/Capita	$2,000
Major Industries	Chemical, pharmaceutical, power generation equipment manufacturing, aeronautical, metallurgical, mechanical, electrical and food processing.
Key Agricultural Products	Oilseeds (soy, rape), grains (corn, sorghum), potatoes, forestry products, caviar, etc.

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