China.org.cn | December 11, 2019
CCTV:
Mr. Shohrat Zakir just mentioned that Xinjiang has seen no violent terrorist attack for three consecutive years. So, my question is what kind of economic benefits have been brought about by this stable situation?
Shohrat Zakir:
Thanks for your question. I would like to invite Erkin Tuniyaz, vice chairman of the Xinjiang regional government, to answer it.
Erkin Tuniyaz:
Thanks for your question. It is clear that any country in the world seeking development needs a stable international and domestic environment. Stability is the prerequisite and guarantee for development, and development is the foundation and support for stability. Cadres and people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are deeply aware that, in the past, due to the frequent violent terrorist activities and spread of religious extremist ideologies , the region was in a state of chaos and could not achieve any development, and was even on the brink of losing the progress previously achieved. Now, the social harmony and stability have created opportunities for economic development, constantly delivering benefits. In 2017, Xinjiang's regional GDP reached 1.09 trillion yuan, the first time it went over one trillion yuan, with a year-on-year increase of 7.6%. Urban and rural residents' per capita disposable income annually saw a rise of 8.1% and 8.5% respectively, to 30,775 yuan and 11,045 yuan. In 2018, its GDP reached 1.22 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6.1%. Urban and rural residents' per capita disposable income rose by 6.5% and 8.4% respectively, to 32,764 yuan and 11,975 yuan. In the first three quarters of 2019, the GDP increased by 6.1% year-on-year, while urban and rural residents' per capita disposable income rose by 5.6% and 9.5% respectively. In regard to tourism in Xinjiang, recognized as the "barometer" to measure the level of stable development, there was a sharp increase. In 2017, the number of tourist arrivals in Xinjiang exceeded 100 million for the first time to reach 107 million, and tourism revenue stood at 182.2 billion yuan, both up by over 30% year-on-year. In 2018, the region received 150 million tourists and tourism revenue reached 257.97 billion yuan, both up by over 40% year- on-year. In the first 10 months this year, the figure surpassed 200 million, producing revenue of more than 300 billion yuan, both up by over 40% year-on-year. People of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang have learned that "stability is a blessing while unrest is a scourge", and they will spare no effort in maintaining the sustained stability of the region.. No forces from home and abroad have the right and will be able to undermine the confidence and resolve of people in Xinjiang. Thanks.