China has long been a top textile manufacturer for the world market. Xinjiang produces China’s best cotton, and more of it than any other region. Textile and garment exports via ports in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to Central Asia and Russia have increased by more than 60 percent from the same period last year.

According to the latest statistics released by Urumqi Customs, China has exported 16.57 billion yuan (about 2.5 billion U.S. dollars) worth of textiles and garments through ports in Xinjiang.

The data show that 70 percent of exports went to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, with the former ranking first.

Following the China-proposed Belt and Road initiative and regional economic development, Xinjiang, which borders eight countries and boasts 29 national ports, has grown into a trading hub for garments, shoes, and daily necessities.

In 2015, Xinjiang’s cotton harvest had reached 3.5 million tons, about 60 percent of China’s total output.