Xinjiang Food Festival Strengthens Central Asia Trade Ties

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A series of events under the Xinjiang Gastronomy Festival 2026 took place at the Xinjiang International Convention and Exhibition Center from 7 to 9 July 2026, aimed at developing the food industry, restaurant business, and trade and economic cooperation between China and Central Asian countries.

The festival combined culinary competitions, industry exhibitions, business meetings, and gastronomy fairs.

Organizers stated that the event was designed to promote the preservation of Xinjiang's multinational culinary traditions, advance local products into the markets of China and Central Asia, and develop production, logistics, and trade chains.

One of the central events was the Xinjiang Rice Noodle Festival, which featured 19 local brands.

Visitors could watch dishes being prepared and sample the products. At the same time, more than 30 suppliers presented local ingredients, including meat products, spices, and sauces. According to participants, negotiations were held on the first day with restaurant industry representatives from various regions of China.

Concurrently, the Liangzhilong · Xinjiang Food E-commerce Festival 2026 was held. Across an exhibition area of about 18,000 square meters, around 500 manufacturers showcased more than 5,000 product items. Special attention was paid to eco-friendly meat products, semi-finished foods, ingredients for traditional dishes, and signature Xinjiang spices.

Organizers noted that Xinjiang's strategic location allows the region to serve as a key link for developing food trade between northwestern China and Central Asian countries. According to organizers, many companies held negotiations during the initial days of the exhibition with potential buyers interested in product supplies.

The festival also hosted the Haihong International Conference on the Development of the Cold Chain Food Market and the Cooperation Forum on Food Supply for the Central Asian Restaurant Industry. Participants discussed developing cross-border supply chains, integrating cold chain logistics, financial services, and e-commerce, as well as establishing a modern logistics center focused on the Central Asian market.

During the conference, several logistics companies and food suppliers signed preliminary cooperation agreements aimed at expanding product deliveries to China's domestic market and Central Asian countries.

Beyond the business program, the festival included the finals of the Xinjiang professional chefs' competition, demonstration performances by prominent chefs, and showcases of national culinary traditions.

Organizers believe that holding such events contributes to the development of the restaurant industry, the strengthening of trade and economic ties, and the promotion of Xinjiang products to international markets, including Central Asian countries.