Business recovers in Urumqi

Businesses in Urumqi are recovering from the July 5th riots. Although there's still a way to go, shop owners there remain confident.

This Pakistani businessman first came to China more than 20 years ago. He found a huge market and began a successful carpet business in 1991. But just as the peak tourist season came, the riots smashed all his confidence.

The Pakistani businessman said, "Clients made a forty-thousand-yuan order on that day. We were just packaging the goods when the violence broke out. The clients had to flee."

Rioters broke his shop windows. He can't help feeling discouraged. Peak season usually generates about 40 percent of his yearly income.

But things are looking up. The local government has installed new windows. And the clients are calling again.

The Pakistani businessman said, "We told them things have returned to normal. Many of the clients have come back."

His wife is also optimistic. Their wholesale business is still doing well, though retail has dropped off. She believes Xinjiang is still attractive to tourists and the market is large. The couple say they are confident for a prosperous tomorrow.