The inland port of Tacheng in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has reopened. The local government has stepped up services for local business people and farmers to boost agricultural exports and production.

Nearly three-quarters of fruits and vegetables from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are exported from the Tacheng port to Kazakstan and Russia. But this year's heavy snow has triggered exports to slump more than 30 percent on previous years.

Wang Huiyu, a local exporter, said, "Last year, my company exported about 500 tons of agricultural products each day. But this year the number is fewer than 100 tons - that's down about 60 percent compared to last year."

Tacheng's customs department has addressed exporters' concerns by dispatching staff to their companies. The one-stop service has helped fast-track exports.

Niu Yanxin, Director of Border checkpoint, said, "We sped-up the inspection procedure to ensure transporting vehicles were not delayed at our checkpoint."

In addition to assisting exporters, Tacheng government has also lent a helping hand to local farmers. Authorities have earmarked money and workers to help minimize economic losses.

Dong Dechuan, Official of Tacheng Government, said, "We have invested more than 200-thousand yuan to consolidate vegetable grown in greenhouses. We have also provided seeds for farmers in advance."

The local government has also dispatched agricultural technicians to help farmers resume crop production as soon as possible.

(CCTV.com February 5, 2010)