Full coverage: Xinjiang: Exploring China’s New Frontier

For more on border trade, we have our reporter Han Bin. Give us a general picture of border ports in Xinjiang, and Xinjiang’s role in China’s economy.

Xinjiang is a key bridgehead in China’s opening up in its western frontier. It borders 8 countries in Central Asia. Xinjiang has 2 open airports and 15 land ports. The airports are in the regional capital Urumqi and in the ancient city of Kashgar. The land ports are scattered along the borders with Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan. With improved transport and access, these ports will become China’s coastal and central regional gateways for export to Central Asia.

China and Pakistan have signed a deal for an economic corridor connecting Kashgar with southern Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. The 3,000-kilometer corridor will cut China's shipping routes for oil and gas from Africa and the Middle East by 85 percent. Currently about 80 percent of China’s oil imports go through the Malacca Strait. Xinjiang accounts for China’s biggest trade with Central Asia. And the strategic importance of trade goes far beyond economic links.

Belt and Road Initiative takes time to see impact

Can we say that Xinjiang’s geographical location makes it an indicator of how China’s Belt-and Road Initiative is actually working? Tell us what you found when you were there.

No doubt, Xinjiang has a geographical advantage in border trade. Theoretically speaking, the new Belt and Road initiative should have a positive impact on development. For example, visa-free visits at border ports, like Baktu. There's a special channel for Kazakh businesspeople holding a valid passport and health certificate, for a one-day, duty-free shopping tour in the border zone. The trade zone will also help increase rural income and boost tourism.

But we have to remember a lot of initiatives are still in the planning stage. The key for trade growth is to boost the flow of real goods through the roads connecting with other countries. Xinjiang has a chance to improve its overall performance and infrastructure. But it takes time to see the real impact on the region and its people. Back to you.