Xinjiang's Unprecedented Opening-Up Initiatives Yield Remarkable Outcomes
In recent years, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has spearheaded unprecedented initiatives aimed at enhancing multilevel collaboration with neighboring Central Asian countries. This effort is part of China’s grand strategy to promote a high-level opening-up across its territories. In an exclusive interview, Erkin Tuniyaz, the chairman of Xinjiang, shed light on the region’s ambitious plans under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the establishment of the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ).
With Xinjiang strategically positioned as a gateway to Central Asia, the region has implemented a dynamic opening-up strategy. This proactive approach has positioned Xinjiang as a pivotal area within the BRI framework, which not only aims to enhance trade but also cultural exchanges and investment opportunities between China and Central Asia. Tuniyaz emphasized that Xinjiang's policy reforms have been crucial in fostering deeper ties and cooperation with these neighboring nations.
The recently inaugurated Xinjiang pilot FTZ, which comprises the iconic areas of Urumqi, Kashgar, and Horgos, has emerged as a transformative hub for reform and innovative development. Established in November 2023, the FTZ is notable as the first of its kind within China’s northwestern region, setting the stage for high-standard economic and social advancements. Since the FTZ’s inception, it has exhibited substantial progress, with the import and export volume reaching approximately 189.98 billion yuan last year—this accounts for around 43.66% of the overall trade volume in Xinjiang.
Figures indicate that trade has seen exponential growth. The annual total import and export volume has surged from 246.36 billion yuan in 2022 to an impressive 435.11 billion yuan in 2024. This robust upward trajectory reflects Xinjiang's commitment to cultivating strong international trade links, particularly with its Central Asian neighbors.
As the region continues its ambitious development trajectory, Tuniyaz outlined plans to further elevate Urumqi as a key center for logistics and international trade. The aspirations include transforming the city into an international cargo distribution hub and an aviation focal point catering to Central and West Asia. Both physical and logistical infrastructures have witnessed significant investments, thus heightening Xinjiang's accessibility for trade and travel, while enhancing the overall living standards in the region.
Tuniyaz remarked on the remarkable turnaround that Xinjiang has experienced over recent years. From a state of economic backwardness to progressive growth characterized by increasing investment in infrastructure, health, and technology, Xinjiang is transitioning towards prosperity. The region has substantially elevated its GDP from 930.69 billion yuan in 2015 to approximately 2.05 trillion yuan in 2024, showcasing a sustained annual growth rate averaging 6.1%. The per capita disposable income for residents has similarly risen, doubling from 16,859 yuan to 30,899 yuan within the same period.
Moreover, the development of transportation infrastructure is accelerating. The total rail mileage has expanded to 9,092 kilometers, while first-class expressways now stretch across 12,400 kilometers, complemented by 27 civil airports. Tuniyaz noted that these enhancements have made traveling to and within Xinjiang faster and more efficient than ever.
In conjunction with infrastructural development, Xinjiang has channeled significant resources into improving the quality of life for its residents. A notable 77% of government financial expenditures are dedicated to enhancing livelihoods, underscoring the region's focus on human excellence and welfare. Furthermore, the development of new, quality-driven productive forces in sectors such as clean energy and computational power is expected to play an integral role in the region’s high-quality development agenda moving forward.
As Xinjiang commemorates its 70th anniversary, the prospects for sustained growth and development look promising. Reports indicate a backdrop of social stability, with residents enjoying a peaceful coexistence and a thriving community life. Overall, Xinjiang is not merely evolving but transforming into a vibrant nexus of opportunities and development, marking its place as a critical segment of China's modernization strategy.
With Xinjiang strategically positioned as a gateway to Central Asia, the region has implemented a dynamic opening-up strategy. This proactive approach has positioned Xinjiang as a pivotal area within the BRI framework, which not only aims to enhance trade but also cultural exchanges and investment opportunities between China and Central Asia. Tuniyaz emphasized that Xinjiang's policy reforms have been crucial in fostering deeper ties and cooperation with these neighboring nations.
The recently inaugurated Xinjiang pilot FTZ, which comprises the iconic areas of Urumqi, Kashgar, and Horgos, has emerged as a transformative hub for reform and innovative development. Established in November 2023, the FTZ is notable as the first of its kind within China’s northwestern region, setting the stage for high-standard economic and social advancements. Since the FTZ’s inception, it has exhibited substantial progress, with the import and export volume reaching approximately 189.98 billion yuan last year—this accounts for around 43.66% of the overall trade volume in Xinjiang.
Figures indicate that trade has seen exponential growth. The annual total import and export volume has surged from 246.36 billion yuan in 2022 to an impressive 435.11 billion yuan in 2024. This robust upward trajectory reflects Xinjiang's commitment to cultivating strong international trade links, particularly with its Central Asian neighbors.
As the region continues its ambitious development trajectory, Tuniyaz outlined plans to further elevate Urumqi as a key center for logistics and international trade. The aspirations include transforming the city into an international cargo distribution hub and an aviation focal point catering to Central and West Asia. Both physical and logistical infrastructures have witnessed significant investments, thus heightening Xinjiang's accessibility for trade and travel, while enhancing the overall living standards in the region.
Tuniyaz remarked on the remarkable turnaround that Xinjiang has experienced over recent years. From a state of economic backwardness to progressive growth characterized by increasing investment in infrastructure, health, and technology, Xinjiang is transitioning towards prosperity. The region has substantially elevated its GDP from 930.69 billion yuan in 2015 to approximately 2.05 trillion yuan in 2024, showcasing a sustained annual growth rate averaging 6.1%. The per capita disposable income for residents has similarly risen, doubling from 16,859 yuan to 30,899 yuan within the same period.
Moreover, the development of transportation infrastructure is accelerating. The total rail mileage has expanded to 9,092 kilometers, while first-class expressways now stretch across 12,400 kilometers, complemented by 27 civil airports. Tuniyaz noted that these enhancements have made traveling to and within Xinjiang faster and more efficient than ever.
In conjunction with infrastructural development, Xinjiang has channeled significant resources into improving the quality of life for its residents. A notable 77% of government financial expenditures are dedicated to enhancing livelihoods, underscoring the region's focus on human excellence and welfare. Furthermore, the development of new, quality-driven productive forces in sectors such as clean energy and computational power is expected to play an integral role in the region’s high-quality development agenda moving forward.
As Xinjiang commemorates its 70th anniversary, the prospects for sustained growth and development look promising. Reports indicate a backdrop of social stability, with residents enjoying a peaceful coexistence and a thriving community life. Overall, Xinjiang is not merely evolving but transforming into a vibrant nexus of opportunities and development, marking its place as a critical segment of China's modernization strategy.
Topics General Business）
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