Urumqi community market embodies vitality of daily life in Xinjiang

A bustling community market in Urumqi serves as a fine example of the decades-long efforts by the central and local governments to provide opportunities for people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Embodying the vitality of daily life in the region, the Beiyuanchun market regularly welcomes crowds of customers eager to visit vendor booths serving up freshly baked samsas or Uygur lamb meat pies. Buyers can find a full range of affordable food all in one stop.

"Prices here are very stable, and we can shop as we please. A wide variety of food is available, including condiments and seasonings, as well as eggs and fish. Eating healthier food is now a trend, and we're following suit," said a shopper.

Vendors at the market have benefited from ample government support. Subsidized stalls are available for low-income residents, ensuring families benefit from Xinjiang's economic growth, a policy highlighted in recent development reports.

"I'm very glad to be taken care of by the community," said Aihemaiti, a vendor who qualified for a rent-free stall.

"We live in this neighborhood, and the market offers us such convenience. Young people can start up this vending business and don't have to look for jobs elsewhere," said a vendor.

The market is a tapestry of Xinjiang's diversity, with Hui people selling Xinjiang-style noodle salad alongside Han farmers offering Hami melons, while Kazakh meat products are sold nearby.

This diversity mirrors the government's emphasis on 'stability through ethnic unity,' particularly in shared spaces like markets, to strengthen cultural identity and bonds.

Increasingly, it is also a place where technology also meets tradition. Utilizing a digital platform, the market can trace the origin of goods to the stall where it was sold.

"It is not only an active response to the food safety policies, but also a way to enhance our management level," said Luo Yangfang, a staff member of the Beiyuanchun Market.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang today reflects 70 years of people-centered development, one that has consistently improved livelihoods and ensured equal benefits for all ethnic groups.

Urumqi community market embodies vitality of daily life in Xinjiang

China and Canada should work together to promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of bilateral economic and trade relations, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said in Beijing on Friday.

He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while attending the Canada-China Trade and Investment Banquet together with the visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Speaking at the event, He said that under the strategic guidance of the important consensus reached by their leaders, China and Canada should adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, win-win cooperation, and mutual success, and jointly promote the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of bilateral economic and trade relations.

China is steadfastly expanding high-standard opening up, continuously developing new quality productive forces, and is willing to work with countries around the world, including Canada, to create new prospects for cooperation, said He.

Carney noted at the banquet that China is Canada's second-largest trading partner and said Canada looks forward to strengthening high-level exchanges with China, making full use of dialogue mechanisms in areas such as the economy and trade, and deepening cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy and other fields.

Carney arrived in Beijing on Wednesday to begin a four-day official visit to China, marking the first trip to the country by a Canadian prime minister in eight years.

China, Canada should work together for stable, healthy, sustainable economic ties: Vice Premier