As 2025 draws to a close, northeastern China's Jilin province emerges as a dual-engine powerhouse, combining traditional heritage with cutting-edge manufacturing. The region's automotive sector, anchored by state-owned FAW Group, has achieved a 14% year-on-year production increase this year, supplying electric vehicles to markets across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Parallel to this industrial growth, Jilin's 400-year-old ginseng cultivation tradition has evolved into a $2.3 billion industry. Modern processing facilities now export premium red ginseng products to 27 countries, with particular demand growth in the Republic of Korea and ASEAN markets.
Local entrepreneur Zhang Wei explains: 'Our smart greenhouses combine Uygur agricultural wisdom with AI monitoring systems, tripling yields while maintaining organic certification.' This fusion of tradition and innovation has created 120,000 new jobs in the province this year alone.
Economic analysts note Jilin's growth pattern reflects broader trends in the Chinese mainland's dual-circulation strategy, balancing domestic consumption with international trade. The province's success story offers valuable insights for developing regions across Asia seeking sustainable economic models.
