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Trade between Xinjiang and Central Asia experienced a boost in 2014, thanks to the continued development of railway networks in the region over the last few years.
In 2013, Xinjiang authorities launched a new train service connecting to Central Asia, after learning from the successes of the existing Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe express freight train, according to the administrative committee of the Urumqi Export Processing Zone.
In March 2014, an express train officially started, connecting Urumqi West Railway Station in Xinjiang to Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan.
According to Jiang Songlin, head of the administrative office at Urumqi city's Custom Bureau, the express train has already delivered 65,000 tons of goods so far and operates on a 24/7 basis.
Steel production in Xinjiang has also developed enough in recent years to be exported to western countries, according to Peng Ji, deputy director of the Economic and Information Committee of Xinjiang.
More than 2,500 tons of Xinjiang steel products were delivered to western countries by the express train on Jan 23.
Peng estimates that 300,000 to 500,000 tons of steel products will be transported to countries in the Central Asia. In addition, two trains a week will depart from Xinjiang to Central Asia in April or May of this year for the first time.
With the advantage of logistical bases in Kazakhstan, more steel products will be shipped through the express train to Central Asia and further on to European countries.
By Li Xiaoxu and edited by Jacob Hooson
