Akqi specialties to tap Wuxi market

Local specialties of Akqi county, West China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, are promoted in Wuxi National Hi-tech District on July 2. [Photo by Zhu Da/wifiwx.com]

A trade fair selling farm and pasture products made in Akqi county, West China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, was held in Wuxi National Hi-tech District on July 2.

Lamb meat, yak meat and sea-buckthorn, whose fruits are abundant in vitamin C, will be promoted as local specialties of Akqi to Wuxi's restaurants and food markets, according to 10 deals signed at the fair worth 12 million yuan ($1.7 million).

Visitors enjoy mutton soup during the trade fair held in Wuxi National Hi-tech District on July 2. [Photo by Zhu Da/wifiwx.com]

Wuxi has been giving long-term support to help Akqi county overcome poverty by providing financial, educational, medical and health support, along with cultural exchange and tourism promotion.

Zhao Zhong, deputy director Akqi county, said that poverty in the county was eliminated in 2019, with its GDP exceeding 1 billion yuan.

Akqi is now home to the largest and most modern sea-buckthorn product line in southern Xinjiang, which helps keep the sand packed down and brings great economic benefits to locals, Zhao added. The manufacturer, Xinjiang Zhongke Sea-buckthorn Co, has become the largest private enterprise in Akqi.

Sea-buckthorn original slurry and juice made by Xinjiang Zhongke Sea-buckthorn Co. [Photo/wndonline.cn]

"We will employ about 3,000 workers to harvest 100 tons of sea-buckthorn for each order of 5 million yuan," said Xu Jun, chairman of Xinjiang Zhongke Sea-buckthorn Co, adding that the company will help to consolidate the county's hard-won achievements in poverty alleviation.

Officials said local specialties in Akqi will be promoted to more cities in the Yangtze River Delta region. People in Wuxi can try the products at special booths set up on Renmin Road, Hubin Commercial Street and Yulan Garden in August.