Once a major national heavy industrial hub, the province's traditional sectors account for a large part of its industrial structure, and in recent years, great attention has been paid to upgrading and readjusting those sectors.

Over the past decade, Heilongjiang has optimized and upgraded its industrial structure and strengthened innovation to develop a strong regional presence.

Since 2016, Qiqihar, a former industrial center, has been promoting the reform of State-owned enterprises and accelerating modernization. Major State-owned enterprises, such as China First Heavy Industries and CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock, have taken steps forward.

During a visit to the city in September 2018, President Xi Jinping said that manufacturing is a national pillar and a significant component of the actual economy.

He encouraged manufacturing companies to make greater efforts to increase innovation, develop new technologies and products, and explore global markets.