Once perceived primarily as China's distant western frontier, today's Xinjiang is repositioning itself as a corridor linking Asia and Europe, a gateway for China to expand its opening up westward.
Since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the region, a hub along the ancient Silk Road, has taken many steps to revive its time-honored status. The BRI, proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, consists of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming to boost connectivity along and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes. Xinjiang, bordering eight countries, including Kazakhstan and Pakistan, is a nexus in transcontinental connectivity.
For instance, the China Railway Express (CR Express), a BRI flagship program, offers international container train services between China, Europe and BRI partner countries. It features three transport corridors, with Xinjiang being a key player in the western corridor. Here, CR Express trains integrate with Kazakhstan's railway network through two key crossings: Alashankou (Alataw Pass) in Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture and Huoerguosi (Khorgas or Horgos) in Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture. Trains continue onward to other European countries via Russia, Belarus and Poland. In 2024, over 16,000 trains transited through the two railway border crossings, or more than half of total CR Express traffic.
Beyond transit, Xinjiang is fostering its own internationally oriented economy. The China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ), the 22nd FTZ in China and the first in the country's northwestern border regions, has made strides since it was inaugurated on November 1, 2023. In China, pilot FTZs are designated areas where special economic policies and regulations are tested to promote trade liberalization, investment and economic development.
Reforms have not only led to more efficient customs clearance, but also fostered new business models. For instance, aircraft bonded refueling has been introduced at Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi. Fuel is stored and managed under the supervision of customs authorities until it is actually loaded onto the aircraft, thus reducing costs for airlines operating international flights.
The pilot FTZ has three areas—in Urumqi, Kashi (Kashgar) and Huoerguosi, according to a plan issued by the Central Government. The Urumqi area aims to develop industries ranging from international trade to modern logistics and biomedicine. The Kashi area focuses on industries such as the deep processing of agricultural products and assembly of electronic products. The Huoerguosi area prioritizes cross-border logistics, cross-border tourism, financial services, exhibitions and other modern services industries.
The China-Eurasia Expo has been a showcase of Xinjiang's international outreach for over a decade. First launched in Urumqi in 2011, the expo, attended by both businesspeople and political dignitaries, has played an increasingly important role in promoting economic and trade cooperation between Asian and European countries. Since 2014, it has been held every other year. In years when not in session, the Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo, a specialized trade show, takes place. This year, Xinjiang will host the Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo on June 26-30. Its theme: Advancing Eurasian Cooperation, Sharing Silk Road Prosperity.
Xinjiang's evolution from an inland border region to an emerging center of Eurasian commerce is a testament to the power of strategic investment and proactive engagement. By unlocking its potential, Xinjiang is no longer defined solely by its past or location, but is slowly but surely finding itself in a position to help shape the economic and cultural contours of a more interconnected Eurasia.
Going forward, the transformation is poised to accelerate as more efforts are made to further open up the region and ensure development benefits all communities. Xinjiang's success as an open frontier hinges on continued commitment to improving the business environment, cementing regional and global partnerships, and investing more in human capital as well as physical infrastructure.
