China News Service, Urumqi, March 29 (Li Ming, Wei Lijuan) Since March, the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center in Ili, Xinjiang has gradually ushered in a peak flow of border tourism, cross-border tourism, and shopping tourists. There are more than 13,000 people entering and exiting the cooperation every day, and the maximum number can reach 15,000 in a day. Border shopping tours are showing a booming development momentum.
According to statistics from the Horgos Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station, as of March 28, the number of people entering and leaving the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center this year has exceeded 1 million, reaching 1.01 million, a year-on-year increase of 393%.
As of March 28, the number of people entering and leaving the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center this year has exceeded 1 million, reaching 1.01 million. Photo by Li Ming
Fu Ruichao, deputy captain of the seventh duty team at the Horgos Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station, said: “In order to ensure efficient customs clearance for passengers, our station has successively introduced convenient measures such as staggered customs clearance, delayed customs clearance, scheduled customs clearance, and quick customs clearance, and has continuously increased investment in science and technology. Timely sort out the customs clearance inspection and supervision process, integrate and optimize the inspection links, and ensure the safe and smooth customs clearance of personnel and vehicles to the greatest extent."
Song Shuzhen, a merchant at the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center, said: "I travel here every day. I can travel between China and Kazakhstan at will with just my passport and entry-exit pass, which is very convenient."
The reporter walked into the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center and saw that the market was crowded with people and bustling with activity. There are a dazzling array of global specialty products such as Russian matryoshka dolls, chocolates from Kazakhstan, grains, oils and non-staple foods from Kyrgyzstan, milk powder from Switzerland, coffee from Vietnam and so on. It is understood that the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center currently has more than 1,000 merchants settled in the Chinese area alone, and there are more than 200 duty-free enterprises selling nearly a thousand kinds of commodities from more than 10 countries.
Chen Guangsong, manager of the Italian duty-free shop, said: "We started working at 9:30 in the morning, arranging and loading goods. The number of tourists coming to our store can reach 1,000-2,000 every day, and the sales volume has also increased by three to three times compared with before. Four times.
Fang Yuchen, assistant general manager of Zhongke Trade City, said: "You can see the Kazakh Post Office behind me. After overseas merchants purchase goods, they have to mail the goods back to their countries through the Kazakh Post Office. The goods in our mall There are also many types, ranging from small household appliances and small hardware to large furniture, clothing, and cars. Recently, the daily trade volume is also very considerable."
The China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center straddles the border between China and Kazakhstan. In a fully enclosed area with a total area of 5.6 square kilometers, citizens of the two countries and third-country citizens can use their passports or entry-exit passes without a visa. With valid documents for entry and exit, negotiation and trade, each person can carry 8,000 yuan of duty-free goods per day.
Ma Yu, a tourist from Qinghai, said: "Come here to experience the special experience of "stepping into two countries with one foot", and you can also buy duty-free products from all over the world."
As of March 28, the number of people entering and leaving the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center this year has exceeded 1 million, reaching 1.01 million. Photo by Li Ming
The China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center relies on the unique "location, policy, and openness" advantages of the Horgos area of the Xinjiang Pilot Free Trade Zone, focusing on foreign trade industry, duty-free shopping, offshore finance, cross-border tourism, international exhibitions, etc. Characteristic industries have become a "test field" for connectivity with Eurasian countries, a tourist attraction and a shopping paradise. (over)