HUANGPU SHANGHAI

Baketu Port, spanning a century of development, is now flourishing with the momentum of construction in the key development and opening-up pilot zone in Tacheng prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo provided to seexinjiang.com]

Baketu Port, spanning a century of development, is now flourishing with the momentum of construction in the key development and opening-up pilot zone in Tacheng prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Known as the "Central Asia Trade Corridor", the port, on the border of China and Kazakhstan, is classified as a national first-class port, serving as a crucial gateway for China's westward opening-up.

In recent years, the Tacheng prefecture has developed its crucial role in the Silk Road Economic Belt, accelerating the construction of port infrastructure and improving efficiency at the border, said Chen Weilong, deputy director of the key development and opening-up pilot area management committee in Tacheng.

Baketu Port, spanning a century of development, is now flourishing with the momentum of construction in the key development and opening-up pilot zone in Tacheng prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo provided to seexinjiang.com]

Chen said the next step involves continuing to explore the market for border trade, promoting the prosperity and development of mutual market activities on both sides.

From January to September of this year, the import and export value of the port reached 16.93 billion yuan ($2.32 billion), with exports amounting to 16.43 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 51.8 percent.

Chen Feiyun, a local shop owner, said that the booming business this year has increased his income.

While benefiting local residents, it has also created opportunities for businesses. Lei Bingqiao, from a trade company, said that vehicles from the Kazakh side in the mutual trade zone can directly reach the on-site processing enterprises, enhancing trade speed and saving costs.

Baketu Port, spanning a century of development, is now flourishing with the momentum of construction in the key development and opening-up pilot zone in Tacheng prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo provided to seexinjiang.com]

Baketu Port, spanning a century of development, is now flourishing with the momentum of construction in the key development and opening-up pilot zone in Tacheng prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo provided to seexinjiang.com]