On June 26, 2025, the vibrant city of Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China, witnessed the grand opening of the highly anticipated EurAsia Expo. Now in its latest edition, the Expo has not only become a landmark event for promoting regional trade and investment but also a vital platform for expanding international cooperation far beyond the Eurasian region. Countries from every continent—such as Ethiopia from Africa, Brazil from Latin America, and many from the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe—have shown keen participation, underlining the Expo’s growing global reach and its rising reputation.
The EurAsia Expo is more than just a trade fair; it is a vision in motion. It represents China’s unwavering commitment to openness, inclusivity, development, and shared prosperity. Hosted in Urumqi—the heart of Western China—the Expo has matured into a high-level platform where East meets West, where economies large and small find avenues for mutual growth, and where regions like Xinjiang showcase their transformation to the world.
Urumqi: From Remote City to Regional Powerhouse
Urumqi, once perceived as a remote outpost in China’s vast northwest, is today a bustling modern metropolis that bridges China with Central Asia, South Asia, West Asia, and beyond. As the provincial capital of Xinjiang—China’s largest province by landmass and a region that shares borders with eight countries—Urumqi is strategically positioned as a gateway to Eurasia.
The significance of Urumqi’s role has grown exponentially over the years, especially under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The city has become a pivotal hub for trade, logistics, transportation, and people-to-people exchanges. China’s vision to develop its western regions, supported by major investments and forward-looking policies, has dramatically reshaped Xinjiang’s economy and infrastructure.
As someone who first visited Xinjiang in the early 1980s as a student in Shanghai, I have personally witnessed the remarkable transformation of this region. Back then, development was modest and opportunities limited. But recent visits paint a very different picture. Today’s Xinjiang is connected by modern highways, high-speed rail, international air routes, advanced telecommunications, and thriving commercial zones. The development gap with China’s eastern seaboard—once considered wide—has narrowed significantly. The energy, optimism, and confidence of the local people are clearly visible on the streets of Urumqi and beyond.
A Platform for Global Engagement
The EurAsia Expo has played a central role in Xinjiang’s transformation. What began as a regional trade fair is now a truly international event, bringing together representatives from governments, businesses, academia, and media from across the world. Over the past few years, the scale and impact of the Expo have consistently grown.
In comparison with earlier editions, the 2025 EurAsia Expo featured:
· More participating countries: The number of participating countries has grown steadily, including non-Eurasian nations like Brazil, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and even Pacific Island states.
· Greater trade volume: Agreements and contracts signed during the Expo have reached new highs each year, covering areas such as renewable energy, digital technology, agriculture, mining, textile manufacturing, and tourism.
· Diverse thematic pavilions: Countries showcased their unique cultures, products, and investment opportunities, while specialized zones highlighted areas such as smart logistics, green development, digital Silk Road, and sustainable agriculture.
More inclusive partnerships: SMEs, startups, and local cooperatives participated alongside large multinational corporations, ensuring that benefits trickled down to grassroots levels.
This rapid expansion is not accidental. It reflects a larger Chinese strategy—to bring underdeveloped regions into the national and global economy and to provide them with tools, exposure, and partnerships to thrive. The Expo serves as an essential mechanism for achieving that goal.
Xinjiang: A Province Transformed
The central government of China has identified Xinjiang as a region of strategic, economic, and cultural significance. Its abundant natural resources, young population, and proximity to international markets make it an ideal region for development and integration into global value chains.
Over the past decade, China has invested heavily in the region, improving not only hard infrastructure such as roads, railways, airports, and industrial parks but also soft infrastructure like education, healthcare, vocational training, and digital access. The results are visible:
· Fastest GDP growth: Based on official statistics, Xinjiang is among the fastest-growing provinces in China in terms of GDP growth. This is not just in terms of scale but also in quality and diversity of industries.
· Increased urbanization: Cities like Urumqi, Kashgar, Hotan, and Korla are rapidly urbanizing, equipped with modern amenities and services, attracting talent and capital.
· Rising living standards: With increasing job opportunities, especially in emerging sectors like e-commerce, logistics, manufacturing, and green energy, income levels have risen, and poverty has decreased significantly.
· Sister city and province partnerships: Xinjiang’s collaboration with advanced provinces like Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Shanghai has brought in best practices, investment, and innovation. Urumqi’s ties with cities like Shenzhen have helped transfer technology and entrepreneurial energy.
The EurAsia Expo has helped Xinjiang open its doors to the world, facilitating people-to-people connections and trade exchanges that were previously unimaginable. For local producers—from carpet weavers and fruit farmers to tech startups—the Expo provides an international platform to display their products, attract buyers, and forge partnerships.
A Human-Centered Transformation
Perhaps the most heartening aspect of Xinjiang’s development is how the economic transformation is reflecting in the lives of its people. The prosperity is not confined to statistics; it is written on the faces of young professionals in new tech zones, farmers selling premium produce to foreign buyers, women entrepreneurs running online businesses, and students excelling in modern universities.
During my most recent visit to Xinjiang, I walked the vibrant streets of Urumqi and interacted with locals from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. There was a deep sense of hope and confidence among them. The streets were alive with commerce, culture, and cooperation. Whether it was a shopkeeper fluent in Mandarin, Uyghur, and English, or a young girl studying AI applications, everyone seemed aware that they were part of something bigger—a region on the rise.
The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Shared Prosperity
Looking ahead, the EurAsia Expo is expected to grow in both size and significance. With the continued support of the Chinese government and the active participation of international partners, the Expo is set to become a leading platform for multilateral cooperation, particularly among developing countries.
Xinjiang’s unique location—acting as China’s window to Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and even parts of Europe—gives it a special advantage in logistics and trade. Its potential as a regional energy hub, tourism destination, and manufacturing base is immense.
Moreover, China’s ongoing commitment to peace, development, openness, and inclusiveness—the four pillars of the Belt and Road Initiative—ensures that growth in Xinjiang is not just fast but also sustainable and inclusive.
Conclusion
The 2025 EurAsia Expo in Urumqi is not just an exhibition—it is a celebration of global cooperation, of Xinjiang’s transformation, and of China’s balanced development model. It brings together nations, peoples, and ideas to build a shared future.
For Xinjiang, the Expo is both a symbol and a driver of progress. It opens new doors, builds new bridges, and inspires new dreams. As the region continues to develop at an impressive pace, its role in China’s national strategy and in the global economy will only grow.
The streets of Urumqi are no longer quiet. They are bustling with trade, talent, and technology. People are walking with confidence and smiles—a testament to what good governance, thoughtful planning, and global friendship can achieve.
Indeed, the EurAsia Expo is a beacon of connectivity, and Xinjiang—once a remote frontier—is now at the center of the world’s attention. The future is bright, and it belongs to all those who believe in cooperation, peace, and shared prosperity.
