The port of Urumqi Economic and Technological Development Area was approved in 1997 and formally opened on August 30, 1998. The port is close to the Urumqi International Airport and three kilometers from the Urumqi West Railway Station, and a member of the northwest international train group of the Eurasian Continental Bridge. At present, the port has over 50 customs holding and supervision depots and more than 10,000 square meters of parking area. Surveillance systems installed in supervision areas help to monitor every corner. Inspection units operate in the area and have established a foreign transport center control station. There are also four large international trade, tourism and shopping areas, with a commercial area totaling 50,000 square meters. Since its opening, the port has handled more than 6,000 tons of cargo worth over US$15 million.

(China.org.cn December 15, 2004)