Huang Changyuan, vice-chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

Kurpannisa, from Xinjiang’s Jiashi County, makes a toy at Huashun Toy Co in East China’s Zhejiang Province.

(From right) Kurpannisa’s mother, father and elder brother sells apricots in a wet market in Xinjiang’s Jiashi County.

An open mind above all

In a market-orientated economy, labor force is supposed to flow freely. Workers would go to wherever openings are rich and payment is handsome.

The rule, however, didn’t apply well to some places in Xinjiang. Due to a notion deeply rooted among many minority Xinjiang people, they would rather stay at home, suffering from poverty, than go out to work.

The notion, thus, led to a surplus of labor force in impoverished areas, which made labor transfer an arduous task for the local government.

Fortunately, after years of efforts by governments at all levels, local people become more open-minded and are willing to leave home to work across the country.

Official statistics showed that 105,000 Xinjiang people worked outside the region last year. The number hit 100,000 in the first quarter of the year, reflecting a significant change in local people’ mindset.

A migrant worker’s contribution

Kurpannisa sent 7,000 yuan home in 2006 alone. The money helped her poor family go through the difficult times.

Receiving the money, Kurpannisa’s mother Manisa exclaimed: “My family used to need five years to earn the sum.”

A native of Xinjiang’s Jiashi County, Kurpannisa worked at Huashun Toy Co in East China’s Zhejiang Province.

Talking about her work experience, she said she didn’t feel lonely as she had made friends with local workers.