Xinjiang land port starts 24/7 operations to boost trade with Central Asia

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By Zhang Yiyi (Global Times) 08:37, June 03, 2025

Sun noted that 24-hour customs clearance will further enhance connectivity between southern Xinjiang and Central Asia. "As the region's first round-the-clock land port, it reinforces Kashgar's role as a major economic hub and contributes to China's dual circulation strategy by deepening both domestic integration and international trade links," Sun said.

Official data showed a sharp increase in traffic at the Irkeshtam Port since the start of the year. As of Sunday, border authorities had processed more than 105,800 travelers and more than 98,500 vehicles, up 80 percent and 79 percent year-on-year, respectively. Between 10 am Sunday and 8 am Monday, following the start of the trial of 24-hour freight clearance operations, 966 freight vehicles were processed, per Xinhua.

Xinjiang serves as a key hub for China-Central Asia trade, Sun said, adding that amid uncertainty in the global trade situation, the move at the Irkeshtam Port sends a clear signal of China's resolve to accelerate westward and southward opening-up.

In 2024, trade between China and Central Asia reached a record $94.8 billion, thanks to thriving cross-border e-commerce. China's total investment in the region has exceeded $30 billion, as connectivity improves and trade facilitation continues to deepen, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce on Saturday.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun)