URUMQI -- Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region in Northwest China saw foreign investment play an increasingly prominent role in its economic development in 2025, with strong growth in both new foreign firms and capital utilization, according to the regional department of commerce.

Last year, Xinjiang recorded a 21.97-percent increase in newly established foreign-funded firms and a 9.8-percent expansion in actual foreign capital utilization.

The department said that Xinjiang has implemented a series of targeted measures to stabilize foreign investment, including policies to encourage the establishment and development of foreign-funded R&D centers in the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone. These efforts aim to create a comprehensive business environment characterized by market-oriented principles, rule of law and international standards.

Through international platforms, Xinjiang has promoted its investment opportunities and deepened cooperation with multinationals. The region also held its first live-streamed investment promotion event, conveying Xinjiang's open and inclusive development vision to a global online audience.

Moreover, Xinjiang has adopted a business-needs-driven approach, which last year included proactive outreach to understand the operations of foreign-invested firms, convening regular roundtables to address their concerns, and delivering policy benefits directly to them through on-site visits. These efforts collectively enhance the confidence and resolve of foreign businesses to invest and grow in the region, the department added.

Xinjiang saw a 19.9 percent year-on-year increase in the total value of its foreign trade in 2025, ranking first in terms of growth rate among all Chinese provincial-level regions, said Li Xuan, deputy director of the department.

Xinjiang has established a multi-level and three-dimensional platform system for opening up, spearheaded by the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone and supported by national economic and technological development zones, cross-border economic cooperation zones and comprehensive bonded zones, Li noted.