Better connectivity, stability boost region's role in BRI

He Haiyan, who has been doing business in Alataw Pass, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, for more than 20 years, said a lot of changes have happened in the major land port connecting China and Kazakhstan during the past 10 years.

"It's obvious that the number of freight trains passing through the land port has increased. More importantly, a series of preferential policies to boost international trade under the Belt and Road Initiative have been introduced," said He, who runs a company trading goods from Central Asian and European countries. "An increasing number of people have seen the potential of Alataw Pass and have started businesses here."

Improved connectivity and long-term peace have helped the strategically located region, which enjoys a rich heritage left by the ancient Silk Road, better participate in the BRI. The initiative, proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Under that framework, Xinjiang has worked with eight countries to develop a major supply chain, an industry chain and logistics infrastructure to boost the region's economy.