Volume of vegetables export through Xinjiang-Uigur autonomous region (North-Western China) to neighboring Central Asian countries reached 23 thousand tons with a value of about US $10 million in January-May 2009, Xinjiang agency reported on June 22 with reference to Urumchi customs service.

Kazakhstan became the largest importer of vegetables from Xinjiang for 5 months of this year, according to the message. Statistics shows, that volume of export to this country constituted 20 thousand tons with a value of US $7.6 million. Thus, 87% of total volume of Xinjiang export is accounted to its share. Export from Xinjiang to Central Asian countries is mainly executed by means of small trade. Main exporters are private enterprises.

In lat years, demand for fresh Xinjiang vegetables significantly increased under influence of dry weather in Central Asian region.

According to statistics, in 2008 Xinjiang-Uigur autonomous region external trade constituted US $22.2 billion, it took 12 th place in the country upon this index. In particular, two thirds of commodity turnover between China and Central Asian countries was accounted to this region.