Storyline: Xinjiang emerges as pivotal global trade hub [Voice_over] Xinjiang, long known as a crossroads of the Silk Road, is once again becoming a hub of connection. [Sound_bite] Su Cheng, Researcher, Xinjiang Academy of Social Sciences: "One of the Party and state’s five strategic goals for Xinjiang is to position it as a key gateway for opening up westward." [Stand_up] Yang Chengxi, Reporter: "Well, these are bags of MSG waiting for export. This is part of a broader transformation in Xinjiang. Trade volumes hit over 200 billion yuan in 2022, 300 billion in 2023, and 400 billion in 2024." [Voice_over] Helping to drive this growth are the rapid improvements in Xinjiang’s logistics capabilities. [Stand_up] Yang Chengxi, Reporter: "This is the International Land Port of Urumqi. Backed by strong policy support, it’s a centerpiece of the Xinjiang Free Trade Zone. Where does the support in terms of finance, talent and infrastructure go? A good portion goes here: the China-Europe Railway Express. Its freight trains are capable of reaching Kazakhstan in 2 days, Russia in 8 and the Netherlands in 16." [Sound_bite] Yang Zhengjie, Deputy Manager, West Urumqi Department, Urumqi Railway Logistics Center: "We use an online system where clients can apply for China-Europe and China-Central Asia freight trains remotely. We coordinate with customs and transport authorities to plan shipments in advance and schedule trains efficiently." [Voice_over] And then there's air logistics, providing time-efficient movement of perishables like fruit, which the central Asian region is known for. For example, these cherries are from Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. [Sound_bite] Vendor: "There are many buyers and importers from foreign countries who are interested." [Voice_over] Within 24 hours of being picked, these cherries are airlifted to Urumqi and ready to be served on consumers' tables. In the first half of this year, Xinjiang launched eight new international cargo routes, while international cargo volume increased sevenfold. Last but not least, road transport. This is the Khunjerab Pass, more than 4,700 meters above sea level, on the border between China and Pakistan. Thanks to recent upgrades on the Karakoram Highway, the pass now remains open year-round, despite extreme weather. And that’s given a major boost to trade between the two countries. [Sound_bite] Adnan, Pakistani Trader: (Reporter: What do you do here?) "Trading." (Reporter: Stones?) "Yeah, stones. China’s government is very cooperative. It’s building roads — the Karakoram Highway, big road, you know." "China, nihao. Thank you. From Pakistan, Adnan." [Voice_over] The improved access is attracting Pakistani exporters who once had to rely on the much longer sea route whenever the border was closed. [Sound_bite] Wafa Baig, Pakistani Trader: (Reporter: How do you compare the sea route and the land route?) "By sea, it’s lower and takes a long time. By road, it’s quick." [Stand_up] Yang Chengxi, Reporter: Through a series of efforts, Xinjiang’s economic and trade partners have expanded dramatically, from just a handful in the 1950s to 211 by 2024. The region is no longer an isolated inland territory, but a rising hub of global connectivity. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]