Huang added that the wine industry has been hailed as a "purple business card" for Ningxia.

The region's wine-producing area is also home to China's first comprehensive experimental zone for developing and opening up the industry. The zone was officially established in May last year.

Zhou, from the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said Ningxia's determination to develop specialty industries and upgrade economic growth modes has injected fresh impetus into opening-up and reform in the region, which in turn have created new growth drivers.

The region has hosted five sessions of the China-Arab States Expo and the first session of the China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo, while its international economic and trade connections now extend to 169 countries and regions.

Hao Xiangfeng, chairman of Ningxia Berylgoji, a leading goji berry plantation and processing brand, said his company has invested large sums on new product research and development, eying the huge market prospects.

"The government has firm resolve and concrete plans to boost high-quality development of specialty industries. With the soil, climate and other natural conditions in Ningxia, we are very confident of the development prospects," said Hao, who is also president of the Ningxia Goji Association.

The authorities in Ningxia have drawn up blueprints that include development plans and key objectives for specialty industries. Numerous policies have been rolled out in recent years to accelerate development of these industries and safeguard the growth of market entities.

Teams formed

Long-term working teams have also been formed in Ningxia, led by provincial-level officials, with participation from relevant government departments, to coordinate policy arrangements and resource allocations for the development of specialty industries.