CCTV:

My question is, in recent years, Xinjiang's economy has continuously shown a new vibrancy and a new outlook. What are the highlights and breakthroughs in Xinjiang's pursuit of high-quality economic development? Thank you.

Erkin Tuniyaz:

I would like to invite Mr. Chen to answer your question.

Chen Weijun:

Thank you for your question. Xinjiang has firmly anchored itself around its five strategic roles in national development landscape, fully and faithfully applied the new development philosophy on all fronts, actively integrated with the new development dynamic, and advanced high-quality development centered on people's well-being. The foundation for Xinjiang's economic and social development has been strengthened, the momentum for growth has been accelerated, and the new development quality and efficiency have been substantially enhanced. Multiple indicators have achieved historic breakthroughs in terms of aggregate. Last year, Xinjiang's GDP exceeded the 2-trillion-yuan mark for the first time. The region's total import and export value reached a new high, hitting 434.16 billion yuan last year. From 2022 to 2024, for three consecutive years, the total import and export value crossed a new 100-billion-yuan milestone each year. In terms of growth rates, multiple indicators rank among the top in the country. Last year, Xinjiang's GDP increased 6.1% year on year, fixed asset investment increased 6.9% year on year, the value added of industrial enterprises above designated size increased 8% year on year, and the revenue in the general public budget increased by 10.5% year on year. In the first half of this year, the region's GDP increased 5.7% year on year, total fixed asset investment increased 13% year on year, the total import and export value increased 28% year on year, and the revenue in the general public budget increased 12% year on year. To sum up our economic development in one sentence, I would say, "Today's Xinjiang is thriving."

Let me now elaborate on three key aspects.

First, infrastructure has been comprehensively strengthened, achieving both integration and interconnection. This has greatly expanded the capacity for high-quality development. With a focus on building the 10 networks of infrastructure and driven by major projects valued in the tens and hundreds of billions of yuan, investment-driven effects have continuously materialized. The Urumqi Airport North Terminal, Barkol Airport, and Qitai Airport have been completed and put into operation, bringing the total number of civil airports in the region to 28. The Hotan-Ruoqiang Railroad has been completed and put into operation, the expressway around the Junggar Basin has been fully completed, and the expressway loop around the Tarim Basin is basically in place. A comprehensive transport system aimed at smooth travel within Xinjiang and swift access beyond is steadily advancing. The third channel that transmits locally generated electricity from Xinjiang to other parts of the country has started operation, and a fourth is under accelerated construction. A main grid structure featuring a five-ring internal supply grid and five external transmission channels has taken initial shape. A large number of infrastructure projects are advancing across the region, further boosting Xinjiang's economic development and optimizing the allocation of resources.

Second, the cluster effect of the modern industrial system is fully demonstrated, presenting a healthy pattern of a solid primary industry, an optimized secondary industry, and an expanding tertiary industry. In 2024, total food output reached 23.3 billion kilograms, hitting a new high. Xinjiang produced a surplus beyond local needs and contributed to national food supplies. More Xinjiang grain is filling the nation's bowl. The total cotton output logged 5.69 million metric tons, and the overall mechanization rate of cotton farming reached 97%. Xinjiang is accelerating efforts to build itself into a strategic base of the nation's energy resources. Six major oil and gas zones and four major petrochemical bases have been established. Last year, the oil and gas production equivalent reached 66.64 million metric tons, and raw coal output reached 540 million metric tons. As of the end of July this year, the total installed capacity of electricity in Xinjiang reached 220 million kilowatts, of which the capacity from new energy sources reached 132 million kilowatts. Policies to boost consumer spending are showing increasingly visible results, further energizing market participants. In the first half of this year, Xinjiang's retail sales of consumer goods totaled 189.36 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 7.5%, ranking third highest in the country in terms of growth rate. Through the vigorous implementation of the tourism-driven development strategy, tourism infrastructure has been continuously upgraded, and new business forms have continued to emerge. Xinjiang has become a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Third, with the thorough implementation of strategies for driving Xinjiang's development through innovation, science and technology, and talent, the region has achieved remarkable progress in developing new productive forces. An additional 2 billion yuan in fiscal science and technology funding is allocated annually to drive innovation-led development in the region. A 10-billion-yuan talent development fund has also been established to attract urgently needed high-caliber talent, creating a welcoming environment that encourages them to stay. The Xinjiang Research Institute of Huairou Laboratory has been put into operation, and the National Innovation Center for Wind Power Generation has been officially launched. Exceeding 10,000 meters, the Tarim Oilfield's ultra-deep drilling is now the deepest in Asia. Xinjiang is leading the country in new energy development and power transmission and transformation equipment technology, and its ultra-low wind speed turbine technology has reached internationally advanced levels. Its independently developed cotton pick-and-mod machine has become the country's first, and over 95% of cotton harvesting machinery is now produced domestically. The Xinjiang-to-Chongqing Computing Resource Transfer project has been listed as a pilot for coordinated development of computing and power, and the region's first intelligent computing center has been established and put into use in Karamay.

In short, Xinjiang is in an important stage of high-quality development. High-quality development has helped strengthen unity and rallied the people's support, laying a solid foundation for social stability and lasting peace and security.

That is all from me for this question. Thank you.