Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region registered US$4.77 billion  in foreign trade in 2003, a 77.3 percent rise on a yearly basis, and the largest growth rate in China, local customs figures show.

The total included US$2.54 billion in exports, up more than 90 percent from 2002, and 2.23 billion dollars in imports, up some 60 percent.

The launch of a new system for speedy cargo transport through customs, improved examination and quarantine services, and simplified entry procedures were the main reasons behind the big rise.
 
(Xinhua News Agency January 12, 2004)