Harbin will push the development of competitive industries and promote key projects to accelerate economic rejuvenation, according to Song Xibin, mayor of Harbin.

Song was speaking in an interview on March 6 in Beijing, while attending the fifth session of 12th National People’s Congress.

Song claimed that over the past five years, Harbin has developed 2,821 projects which have attracted investment of at least 20 million yuan ($2.9 million) each. Until now, 1,951 projects have been completed and put into operation.

"Harbin paid great attention to the development of the real economy, and these projects once put into operation will generate high production value,” said Song.

For example, the output value of the robotics industry in Harbin has reached 600 million yuan in two years.

Meanwhile, Harbin is also attaching great importance to the organic food industry and food processing industry. Last year, food-related industries generated 115 billion yuan. Organic food from Harbin is now extremely popular in Beijing. Daily sales totaled 150,000 yuan at the Harbin organic food exhibition and market in Beijing.

Song also claimed that Harbin has introduced a batch of projects in the industries of tourism, fashion and health. For example, Wanda group has invested 20 billion yuan in building a tourism town in Harbin and built the biggest indoor ski resort in the world.

Meanwhile, Song also claimed that the output value of the food industry and tourism revenue reached 100 billion yuan. Furthermore, Harbin will attempt to develop high-end equipment manufacturing and new information technology so as to provide an additional engine for the development of Harbin’s economy.