Belt and Road initiative boost Xinjiang’s textile, garment exports

China’s largest province Xinjiang in the north west witnessed robust growth in textiles and garments exports reaching 43 billion yuan (6.2 billion US dollars) during the first ten month of this year (Jan.-Oct. period), up 49 percent from the same period last year, according to the customs of Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Boost in textile and garment exports was seen due to the Belt and Road Initiative, local customs authorities said.

The two major markets for Xinjiang’s textile products are Kazakhstan and Kyrgystan, but exports to Russia has also seen rapid growth.

Xinjiang, is China’s major cotton producer, accounting more than 60 percent of the country’s total cotton output last year. The region with its preferential policies has attracted investment from eastern coastal regions to set up factories in Xinjiang. It is also a hub for trade with neighboring Central Asia.

This year, Xinjiang will convert a minimum of 1.5 million mu of farmland from cotton to less water-intensive crops. More water-efficient irrigation, like drip systems which slowly release small amounts of water through plastic tubes buried in the soil, has also been installed.

Xinjiang is part of the central government’s “New Silk Road,” or “One Belt, One Road” initiative, will link China with Central Asia and Europe.