Residents of Shihezi celebrate 70 years of XPCC development, praise government policies for ethnic harmony and prosperity

People in Shihezi City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China hailed the rapid development of the region and commended the favorable government policies that ensured people of various ethnics here to live and work in peace and contentment.

This year marks the 70th founding anniversary of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC). When talking with China Global Television Network (CGTN), residents here have shared their satisfaction about the rapid development since the founding of the corps.

"Very good. The situation in Xinjiang is stable, and our country has developed very well in recent years," said a local. The XPCC was founded in 1954 by demobilized military personnel in Xinjiang

As an important component of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the XPCC is a special social organization that handles its own administrative and judicial affairs within the reclamation areas under its administration, in accordance with the laws and regulations of the state and the region. It also assumes the responsibilities of cultivating and guarding the border areas.

"We are the second generation of demobilized military personnel. And the 70th anniversary means the prosperity of our country. We can sing and dance heartily here every day. We are very happy," said a woman.

In addition, a batch of new recruits were seen dressed in uniforms and lined up neatly. They were about to embark on a brand-new, glorious military career.

Local people have witnessed earth-shaking changes here over the past few decades, as the country has formulated and implemented a string of policies to improve people’s living standard during the decades-long period.

"I have been here for more than 30 years. Now I'm retired, and I came to Shihezi to spend my retirement days. And the scenery in Shihezi is really wonderful, with good air quality," said a resident.

"It's changed a lot. Because the policies introduced by our Party are so good, so the changes here are earth-shaking," said another resident.

When comes to the sanctions imposed by the United States on the XPCC, people say that the United States is undermining their unity and the sanctions are groundless.

"Our ethnic unity is solid, but the United States is trying to destroy our unity," said the resident.

"The sanctions imposed by the United States are futile. The people in the Corps share solidarity of mind. We have such an enjoyable life here. People live and work in peace and contentment, free from wars and worries. And we have ample food, drinking and enjoy high affordability," said the woman.

"We should just do what we need to do and work to improve people's lives. This is our response to the United States," said the local.

Residents of Shihezi celebrate 70 years of XPCC development, praise government policies for ethnic harmony and prosperity

Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.

Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.

More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.

Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.

"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.

During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.

"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.

In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.

With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.

"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.

Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition