North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region will step up efforts to unlock the vitality and dynamism of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen industrial development.

The Inner Mongolia Department of Industry and Information Technology has set targets to nurture 300 innovative SMEs, 200 technologically-advanced enterprises, and five national-level "Little Giant" companies this year.

Authorities will support these firms in strengthening and complementing key industrial chains, while encouraging greater participation from social capital in early-stage, small-scale, and innovation-led projects.

The region will also accelerate the development of distinctive SME industrial clusters through local resources and existing industrial foundations. By 2026, it plans to foster 10 regional-level and one national-level SME characteristic industrial clusters, promoting stronger industrial integration and cluster-based growth.

To improve the business environment, the region will upgrade public service demonstration platforms for SMEs, better utilize the national SME service network, and roll out more targeted support programs. Financial institutions will be guided to develop dedicated credit products for technologically-advanced enterprises and companies undergoing digital transformation.

Measures will also be introduced to clear overdue payments to enterprises. The region aims to ease operational pressures, bolster business confidence, and inject fresh momentum into sustained industrial growth by utilizing fiscal and financial support policies.