The Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region will take advantage of its geography and resources on the Silk Road Economic Belt and serve as a bridge between China and the overseas market, according to the region’s deputy Party secretary.

Wang Yang (Front, Right) talks with Nuer Baikeli, deputy Party secretary of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region at the Xinjiang pavilion during the ongoing 18th China International Fair for Investment and Trade on Sept 8. [Photo by Hu Meidong/China Daily]

Xinjiang has focused on Silk Road Economic Belt projects since Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed it last year. The plans aim to boost regional cooperation with Central Asian countries, said Nuer Baikeli at the 18th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) on Sept 8.

Being selected as the Fair’s Guest Province of Honor, Xinjiang put together a large delegation which is composed of some 800 representatives from government agencies and enterprises.

An opening ceremony of the Xinjiang pavilion took place on Sept 8, followed by a series of promotional events and symposiums featuring the prospective market which is situated in deep northwestern China.

As a focal point of the ancient road network on the Eurasian continent, Xinjiang has witnessed the boom of the ancient Silk Road. It is riding the momentum of rapid development in modern times – especially since 2010 – and has made big strides in overall economic strength and characteristic competitive industries, said Baikeli.

Xinjiang boasts abundant natural resources, a great market potential, unique geographic position and deep cultural foundation, all of which will offer enormous business opportunities for investors from home and abroad, he added.

The Xinjiang Pavilion takes up an area of 1,500 square meters, the largest one of its kind at the Fair and ten times larger than its size in past editions.

The pavilion is themed “Core Area of Silk Road Economic Belt – Xinjiang Welcomes You” and features Xinjiang’s opening-up and growth over the years.