Heavy-goods makers' exports up

Struggling firms see doors open to Central Asia, Russian buyers

China's national initiative to revive the ancient intercontinental Silk Road trade routes is being welcomed by equipment manufacturers in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, many of which are keen to expand their reach into markets in Central Asia, and Russia.

Formally known as the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and now being referred to simply as the Belt and Road Initiative, the massive development plan along the routes is aimed at promoting the interconnection of infrastructure, and economic and cultural exchanges with neighboring countries.