This Day, That Year

Editor's note: This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up policy.

This China Daily story from July 5, 1988, shows how the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, once a key part of the ancient Silk Road, set it sights on restoring its forgotten reputation as an East-West economic link by attracting more foreign investment.

After 30 years of development, Xinjiang now has economic ties with 19 countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.