Xinjiang opens 1st trade area with 8 other countries

The increasing trade between China and Central Asia is set to be the focus of the upcoming SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan on September the 13th. And China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is playing an increasingly crucial role in that trade, as it has just established its first multinational border trade area in Kashgar.

Located in the southwest of the region, Kashgar is a vital gateway for trade in western China. And its new market will have traders from eight neighboring countries.

The multinational border trade area is located at Guangzhou New City in Shufu county, Kashgar. It measures about 300-thousand square meters, and has more than two thousand commercial booths.

Pakistan trader Muhammad Waseem Tubasum said, "So I come here and I look at the city. And I feel that it is very good place in Kashi. Because from Kashi, it is to Russia and Pakistan and Taji by all ways. So it's possible and easy for us to make import and export and have good business here. "

Pakistan trader M. Nadeem Arshad said, "I.m very happy because there is big market. Also, the eight countries, the border countries, we will expand my business."

The market will offer traders a chance to buy and sell textiles, ornaments and food from around the region.

Uzbekistani trader Mawluda said, "I came to Kashgar to promote the textile products from Uzbekistan. I also want to bring some Chinese products back to Uzbekistan."

Many traders also say they were attracted to the market by the special perks being provided by the government.

Cheng Guojun, chairman of Guangzhou New City, International Commercial Street, said, "For the foreign traders here, the first three years of their business are tax-free, then they will enjoy two years of low taxes. The local government will also provide them with discounted meals and apartments. They can rent apartments for three yuan per square meter per month."

Reporter: .The opening ceremony of this border trade area for eight countries will be held during this National Day.s holiday. More than sixty traders from Central Asian countries will open their business here then..