URUMQI - Latest statistics from the customs bureau in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, show that the region has seen increased trade with BRICS countries this year.

The international trade volume between the west China region and its neighbor Russia reached $560 million during the January-July period, an increase of 25.9 percent year on year, while trade with India hit $220 million, up 57.7 percent and with Brazil exceeded $70 million, up 228.6 percent, according to Urumqi Customs.

Exports to Russia are primarily made up of farm produce such as vegetables and processed foods like tomato sauce, while exports to India and Brazil are dominated by synthetic products, including PVC.

The Belt and Road Initiative has created a hub for international business in Xinjiang, China's westernmost region bordering Russia and several central Asian countries.

In May, a rail-sea transport service was launched along China-Europe freight train routes via Urumqi. The service cuts transportation time and storage costs for exports by conducting customs clearance in the region, before they were sent to eastern sea ports.