KASHGAR, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Kashgar Prefecture in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region enjoys unique geographical advantages. It serves as a gateway for opening up, connecting China with Central Asia, South Asia, West Asia and Europe. 

Through favorable policies, improved infrastructure, and the promotion of cross-border exchanges, the prefecture has witnessed rapid development.

In the first three quarters of this year, total import and export value in the prefecture reached over 60 billion yuan (about 8.23 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 89.7 percent year on year, according to the customs data.

(Source: Xinhua)