On January 26, a trade, cultural and tourism exchange and promotion event themed "An Open XPCC, Connecting Hong Kong with the World" was held in Beijing.
Twelve enterprises from the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) showcased more than 100 featured products, attracting over 100 representatives from Hong Kong enterprises as well as young people from Hong Kong, who gathered to explore opportunities for cooperation. The event was jointly organized by the Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Beijing, the Foreign Affairs Office of the XPCC, and the Department of Commerce of the XPCC, with support from organizations including the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce (China) and the Hong Kong Professionals (Beijing) Association.
Young people from Xinjiang introduce dairy products from the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) at the "An Open XPCC, Connecting Hong Kong with the World" event in Beijing on January 26. Photo by Zhao Tingting
Young people from Hong Kong sample French fries with tomato ketchup produced by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) at the "An Open XPCC, Connecting Hong Kong with the World" event in Beijing on January 26. Photo by Zhao Anqi
Many young people and entrepreneurs from Hong Kong stopped to sample delicacies from the foothills of the Tianshan Mountains. Edgar Wang, a committee member of the Hong Kong Professionals (Beijing) Association, said that the promotional event allowed him to experience firsthand the appeal of Xinjiang's specialty products. He noted that the creative flavors and high quality of Xinjiang yogurt align well with the tastes of Hong Kong consumers. "When I return to Hong Kong for the Spring Festival, I'll definitely recommend these delicacies to my friends," he said.
Speaking about the significance of the event, Chang Wai-Yuen, director of the Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Beijing summarized it as embodying "three original aspirations and expectations": Firstly, to build a bridge of understanding, helping Hong Kong enterprises gain deeper insight into the historical heritage and contemporary mission of the XPCC, and appreciate its long-standing commitment and dedication to "taking root in the frontier and safeguarding the nation". Secondly, to jointly explore new opportunities for cooperation. With its high-quality specialty products and abundant cultural and tourism resources, the XPCC can provide a practical platform for Hong Kong enterprises to connect with western markets and expand their development space. Thirdly, to deepen emotional bonds—he expressed hope that the event would serve as a link to advance exchanges and cooperation between Xinjiang and Hong Kong from "mutual awareness" to "genuine integration," and to write a new chapter of win-win cooperation through joint efforts.
"Understanding the development trajectory of our country and experiencing the stories of hard work across different regions are essential prerequisites for Hong Kong youth to integrate into the broader national development," said Fung Kwok-Yau, President of the Hong Kong Professionals (Beijing) Association. He noted that many young people in Hong Kong may still have limited perceptions of Xinjiang, which are often based on impressions of its magnificent natural scenery or descriptions found in books and secondhand accounts. Fung specifically invited more than 20 young people from Hong Kong to take part in the event, hoping it would help them better understand the XPCC's significant historical contributions to promoting Xinjiang's development, strengthening ethnic unity, maintaining social stability, and consolidating national border security. He also hoped that they would be able to experience the true pulse of Xinjiang's development. On this basis, he added that the goal is for young people in Hong Kong and Xinjiang to forge deep friendships and carry forward the spirit of patriotism together. "We hope to encourage more young people in Hong Kong to visit the country and learn about it, and to contribute their youthful energy to advancing coordinated regional development." (By Zhao Anqi & Zhao Tingting/China Youth Daily)