China Daily:

We know that Xinjiang is an important passage connecting Central Asia, West Asia and Europe. In recent years, we have observed rapid growth in Xinjiang's foreign trade. Could you explain how Xinjiang is leveraging its new advantages to promote high-level opening-up? Thank you.

Chen Weijun:

Thank you for your question. As for this question, Mr. Erkin Tuniyaz mentioned some important information earlier. In general, with the promotion of the country's westward opening-up and the building of the core areas of the BRI , Xinjiang has transformed from an isolated inland area into the forefront of opening-up, emerging as the main gateway for our country's westward opening-up. In 2007, Xinjiang's total import and export volume surpassed 100 billion yuan, and in 2022, it exceeded 200 billion yuan. It took 15 years to go from 100 billion to 200 billion yuan. However, it took only one year to go from 200 billion to 300 billion yuan. Last year, the total import and export volume reached 357.3 billion yuan; this year, it is expected to exceed 400 billion yuan.

We are now focusing on the strategic positioning assigned to Xinjiang by the nation as a "golden channel" between Asia and Europe as well as a bridgehead for China's westward opening-up . We aim to integrate Xinjiang's regional opening-up with the national overall layout of westward opening-up, accelerating its progress and efforts to promote both domestic and international openness. Our work addresses three aspects:

First, we have deepened extensive cooperation with neighboring countries across various fields. Over the past two years, we have intensified efforts under the principles of "welcoming in" and "going global," resulting in an expanding network of economic and trade partnerships in Xinjiang. Since last year, Xinjiang's top leaders, including Party Secretary Ma Xingrui and Chairman Erkin Tuniyaz, have personally led delegations to major Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. This has led to the comprehensive implementation of the consensus reached by the heads of state of China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, resulting in numerous cooperative initiatives in the new energy, healthcare, and agricultural product processing industries. Consequently, Xinjiang's comprehensive and pragmatic cooperation with neighboring countries has reached an unprecedented level. Xinjiang has established eight mechanisms for regular cooperation with neighboring countries and regions. Activities such as the China-Kazakhstan Entrepreneur Matchmaking Event and forums with some countries in certain fields are conducted regularly. Additionally, we are strengthening exchanges and cooperation with central enterprises, provinces and municipalities involved in the pairing-assistance to Xinjiang, and neighboring provinces and regions. Therefore, the building of the core area of the BRI relies on joint efforts and collaboration from all parties.

Second, we have been constructing a large-scale westward opening-up channel. Practice has proven that this channel is fundamental and decisive. Currently, 118 bilateral international road transport routes have been opened, accounting for approximately one-third of the national total. The cargo-handling capacity of cross-border railways through Horgos Port and Alashankou Port has significantly increased. The construction of the third cross-border railway between China and Kazakhstan, the Ayagoz -Tacheng railway, has commenced, and the China-Kyrgyzstan Biedieli Port is expected to become operational this year. We will accelerate the construction of the China-Central Asia transportation corridor through a series of measures, strengthen port infrastructure, and further enhance our customs clearance and cargo handling capabilities.

Third, we have been fully leveraging the role of opening-up platforms. These platforms are a major comparative advantage for Xinjiang. Xinjiang currently has 18 foreign opening-up ports officially approved by the State Council and 56 national-level key opening-up and industrial development platforms across 14 categories, comparable to those in other regions. We will make good use of various opening-up platforms such as the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center , comprehensive bonded zones, cross-border e-commerce pilot zones, and specialized import and export processing zones to vigorously develop the import and export processing trade, service trade, and cross-border e-commerce. We will promote high-quality and efficient foreign trade development and contribute Xinjiang's efforts to achieve a stable volume, improved structure, and increased market share in foreign trade.

That's all I have to say. Thank you!

Erkin Tuniyaz:

I would like to add one more thing here. The 8th China-Eurasia Expo will open in Xinjiang on June 26. We extend a sincere welcome to all our friends to join us for this occasion.