Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China is close to achieving full e-commerce coverage in rural areas, officials reported. This milestone comes as county-level commercial service centers, logistics distribution hubs, and township-level logistics stations now form a comprehensive network to connect rural consumers with digital markets.
According to the regional department of commerce, township commercial centers and village convenience stores have reached record coverage rates of 96.56 percent and 98.92 percent, respectively. The expansion has strengthened rural access to goods and services while facilitating the flow of agricultural products to urban centers.
The region’s push follows a three-year national action plan for county-level commerce issued in 2023 by China’s Ministry of Commerce and eight other government agencies. Xinjiang has since optimized its county-level commercial and logistics networks, improving efficiency and supporting integrated urban-rural trade.
From 2021 to 2025, the region secured 548 million yuan (approximately US$78 million) in central government funding. Nearly 400 projects were supported under this plan. A total of 255 county-level comprehensive commercial service centers were built or upgraded during this period, marking a 45.7 percent increase from 2021 levels.
Li Xuan, deputy director of Xinjiang’s regional department of commerce, said the next focus will be on activating the county-level market and fully tapping into rural consumption potential. “Through policy guidance and financial support, we will continue to enhance the county commercial system to boost integrated urban-rural development and comprehensive rural revitalization,” Li said.
The region’s e-commerce expansion has enabled faster distribution of industrial goods to rural households and increased opportunities for farmers to sell agricultural products in urban markets. Analysts say the infrastructure improvements, coupled with digital payment platforms and logistics upgrades, have reduced the gap between urban and rural markets.
Xinjiang’s experience reflects China’s broader national strategy to promote rural revitalization and economic integration. By strengthening county and township networks, the government aims to improve access to goods, increase incomes for rural residents, and create more resilient local economies.
The recent achievements in Xinjiang align with global trends. Reports indicate that major marketplaces such as Ozon and Wildberries are planning to build logistics centers in Kazakhstan, including in Astana and Almaty. These centers will cover a combined area of 291,000 square meters and will facilitate trade and e-commerce activities across Central Asia.
China’s emphasis on rural e-commerce is also seen as a tool to modernize supply chains and boost domestic consumption. By connecting farmers and rural enterprises to online marketplaces, regions like Xinjiang can diversify revenue streams and enhance economic sustainability. Experts say the integration of logistics hubs, county service centers, and township stations creates a robust ecosystem for e-commerce growth.
The focus on rural digital access in Xinjiang has broader implications for social and economic development. Improved e-commerce coverage allows rural populations to benefit from lower prices, faster delivery, and access to a wider range of goods. Additionally, it creates opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs to reach larger markets.
Looking ahead, the regional commerce department plans to continue expanding digital infrastructure, offering financial support, and refining policies to ensure that e-commerce benefits reach even the most remote villages. The aim is to achieve fully integrated urban-rural development while contributing to the broader objectives of China’s economic strategy.
Xinjiang’s near-complete e-commerce coverage serves as a model for other regions seeking to modernize rural trade. By combining infrastructure investment, policy support, and technology adoption, the region demonstrates how digital markets can empower rural communities and stimulate sustainable growth.
