Clean and bright schools resonate with the reading sound of students; modern poultry farms operate smoothly; cattle and sheep graze contentedly in their pens; and Tajik villagers work the land to cultivate snow chrysanthemums… All of those illustrates a vibrant scene of rural vitalization in today’s Tashkurgan County. Over the past 20 years, with steely resolve, Ansteel has paired-up with Tashkurgan County in Xinjiang to provide targeted assistance. Through talent support, industrial development, and infrastructure construction, Ansteel has unearthed the county’s “hidden treasures” and breathed new life into what was once a poverty-stricken area. Now, Tashkurgan stands as a model for ethnic unity and economic growth.

In the new era of advancing rural vitalization, Ansteel has paired-up with Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County in Xinjiang, to provide targeted assistance with its steely resolve and persistent spirit. By tailoring suitable approaches to local needs and implementing targeted strategies, Ansteel has advanced local industrial development and essential infrastructure construction, forging a unique path toward vitalization on the Pamirs Plateau and embodying the responsibility of a central state-owned enterprise. It is one thing to accomplish a task; it is far more challenging to continue this work with dedication for nearly 20 years. With unwavering commitment, Ansteel’s two-decade efforts of unlocking the region’s potential has improved local living conditions, enhanced the well-being and gain of local farmers and herders, and transformed this once “hard nut to crack” into a model of ethnic unity and economic progress.

Cloud-Top County: An Untapped Treasure

On the Pamir Plateau at the northwestern frontier of China, known as the “Roof of the World”, the “Ancestor of Mountains”, and the “Source of Rivers”, lies the cloud-high Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County. Nestled amid the Pamir Plateau, which is at a junction with other world-renown mountain ranges of Tianshan, Kunlun, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush, this county forms a natural geographic marvel, placed with great care by nature itself. To the south, K2 Mountain ( also called Mount Chogori), the second-highest mountain on Earth, rises loftily to 8,611 meters, conversing with the clouds. To the north, Muztagh Ata, the “Father of Ice Mountain”, towers solemnly at 7,546 meters, striking awe into all who behold it. With such remarkable gifts from nature, Tashkurgan boasts stunning landscapes and abundant resources, including hydropower and wind power. This pristine land in southern Xinjiang is not only a picturesque escape but a unique sanctuary for sightseeing and cooling summer retreats. Due to its average altitude of over 4,000 meters, it has earned the name “Cloud-Top County”. 

However, along with its lofty splendor, Tashkurgan faces unparalleled challenges in economic, cultural, and social development. Of its 53 administrative villages, 44 have long been shrouded in poverty, with 32 deeply mired in extreme poverty. On this land, where harsh natural conditions and a weak development foundation prevail, the path out of poverty seems long and arduous, and the light of hope distant. Yet, China’s battle against poverty has  never ceased, and it has never bypassed this high-altitude region. It is on this land, seemingly a “hardest nut” yet hiding immense “treasures”, that China’s anti-poverty struggle has written an inspiring chapter of success.

Ansteel Strength: Shouldering the Responsibility of Assistance
As a large state-owned enterprise directly under the central government, Ansteel is the first large-scale steel complex to resume construction after the founding of the People’s Republic of China and China’s earliest steel production base. Having made significant contributions to the nation’s economic development and steel industry, it is known as the “eldest son of the steel industry of the Republic”, the “cradle of China’s steel industry”. The “Ansteel Constitution”, created by Ansteel Group Corporation, has not only guided China’s industrial enterprise management systems but has also received international recognition. Even today, companies in Japan, South Korea, Europe, and the United States still study the “Ansteel Constitution”, drawing on its enduring influence for effective business management.

The place that Ansteel employees endearingly call “Tashkurgan” is the paired-up county for
which Ansteel provides targeted assistance.
The 18th CPC National Congress sounded the clarion call to win the fight against poverty. Ansteel, as a central state-owned enterprise (SOE), actively responded to the nation’s call, taking on the crucial responsibility of providing targeted support for Tashkurgan County. Understanding that this initiative is not only essential for economic development but also a significant contribution to ethnic unity, social stability, and China’s long-term peace and security, Ansteel did not back down in the face of Tashkurgan’s poverty. Instead, it shouldered this responsibility, and was determined to forge a new path of vitalization on the Pamir Plateau. 

This journey has now spanned almost 20 years for Ansteel.

Talent Support: Sending the Best and Brightest
In the battle for poverty alleviation and rural vitalization, talent is the most precious resource and the driving force behind Tashkurgan’s sustainable development. Throughout its journey of assistance, Ansteel has consistently placed the talent support at the core of its strategy. Adhering to the unwavering belief of “putting the best into action, extending timely help”, and following high standards and strict requirements, Ansteel meticulously dispatched groups of outstanding cadres and skilled personnel to Tashkurgan.
These individuals not only possess solid expertise but also bring heartfelt affection for the people of the border region. They set out resolutely for Tashkurgan, bringing with them their skills and injecting powerful momentum into the county’s comprehensive development. Since 2005, when Ansteel actively responded to the nation’s call, the company has dispatched a total of 62 excellent cadres in key ffelds such as organizational management, project construction, cultural promotion, and information technology. Crossing vast mountains and rivers, they arrived in Tashkurgan to carry out targeted and heartfelt assistance efforts. Their arrival was like spring rain nourishing the land, bringing vitality and hope to this undeveloped region.

Wei Wei is one such cadre dispatched by Ansteel. In the spring of 2023, as the Pamir Plateau awoke to life, Wei, previously the General Manager and Director of Ansteel Steel Processing and Distribution Co., Ltd., jointly built by Ansteel and FAW Jiefang, was entrusted with an important role. He became the head of the Ansteel working group in Tashkurgan, joining his long-time colleagues Ma Chao and Zhao Qingsheng on the journey of assistance. Spanning 5,000 kilometers and 4,000 meters in altitude from the northeastern plains to the Pamir Plateau, Wei Wei took on his new role as a standing committee member of the Tashkurgan County Party Committee and Deputy County Mayor. Standing at the foot of snow-capped mountains, Wei looked at the warmly welcoming local farmers and herders, filled with a sense of responsibility and mission. He expressed his heartfelt hope: “We want to bring vitality to this land and help the people of Tashkurgan enjoy a prosperous life.”

Ma Chao is another of these dispatched cadres. Though his face has been darkened by the plateau’s intense sunlight, his determination remains as strong as ever. To understand their needs and advance Ansteel’s assistance efforts, he traversed rugged mountain roads every day to visit farmers and herders, measuring this beloved land with his own footsteps. Having worked in Tashkurgan for nearly two years, Ma Chao has fully integrated into the work and life on the snow-covered plateau, and he has also found a place in the hearts of the local farmers and herders.

The contributions and dedication of Ansteel personnel have won widespread praise across society. In 2021, the Ansteel working group in Tashkurgan was awarded the “Advanced Team in Poverty Alleviation” by the government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, for their successful assistance in helping Tashkurgan win the tough battle against poverty. The then County Mayor, Gulizar Abudureheman, highly praised Ansteel’s cadres, saying, “The cadres from Ansteel for poverty alleviation have worked diligently and selflessly. Each one of them is highly capable and truly outstanding.”

Infrastructure First: Paving the Way to Prosperity
Ansteel has not only bridged the geographic divide to send talents to Tashkurgan but also, with professional skills, deep foresight, and sincere dedication, helped the county develop a range of specialized industries, enhancing the local economy’s self-sustaining capacity and regenerative potential.

Upholding the straightforward belief that “to get rich, build roads first”, Ansteel has dedicated itself to addressing the local people’s urgent needs, from building a “bridge of hope” to paving a “path to prosperity”. Guo Fang, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission at Ansteel’s Steel Casting Company, was the first Ansteel leader to be assigned to Tashkurgan. While serving as a standing committee member of the Tashkurgan County Party Committee in 2016, Guo noticed the precarious state of an old steel suspension bridge, which had become unsafe for local farmers and herders to cross. Upon learning about the county’s funding shortage for bridge construction, Guo proactively communicated with and reported to Ansteel, securing a donation to fund the smooth start of bridge construction project. The bridge, now fondly called “Ansteel Bridge” by locals, becomes more than just a safe crossing; it has transformed into an economic lifeline connecting villages to the outside world. At dusk, farmers and herders cross it with heavy loads of agricultural goods or herds of cattle and sheep, with no more worries about detours or safety. The bridge not only carries people but also conveys hope and opportunity.

Desert Oasis: Harnessing the Gobi Desert
In Tatikuli, the flourishing 3,580-mu (239 hectares) forage grass field restored with care by Ansteel’s cadres has captivated the hearts of local farmers and herders. This lush green field, like nature’s gift to hard-working hands, promises a stable foundation for future yak farming. 

For many, the Gobi Desert has long been synonymous with barren land. However, choosing not to accept this belief, Ansteel working group in Tashkurgan seize the opportunity presented by land leveling in the Tatikuli area to boldly experiment with crop cultivation. Since 2018, successive groups of cadres have worked tirelessly to flatten, irrigate, improve, and cultivate the wasteland around the Tatikuli relocation sites. They purchased agricultural equipment, seeds, and fertilizers, helping farmers plant barley, forage grass, and peas, and invested funds to further improve the land, increasing planting success. As a result, the once infertile land is now fostering lives. To date, Ansteel has invested nearly RMB 7.5 million, leveling 3,580 mu of desertified land and increasing local farmers’ incomes.

Over time, Tatikuli has transformed completely. Once a barren desert, it is now home to lush fields, with crop yields rising year by year, reaching over 200 kilograms per mu, and helping villagers increase their annual income by nearly RMB 400 per capita. The villagers’ faces shine with happiness. Secretary of village committee Maimaitibek Nizarbai expressed his heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Thanks to the Party and the support of Ansteel leaders and employees, we’ve truly achieved stability and prosperity in our new home.”
When talking about the living standard improvements of locals, a smile spreads across Wei Wei’s sun-darkened cheeks. “In 2023, Ansteel invested RMB 2.88 million to help prepare the Industrial Development Plan for Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, comprehensively assessing Tashkurgan’s resource advantages, building an industry system, and arranging key industry stages to transform resources into development advantages.”

In 2024, Ansteel invested another RMB 540,000 to establish a 30-mu agricultural science demonstration field in Tatikuli, cultivating high-value economic crops such as safffower and snow chrysanthemum. This has not only boosted the income of local farmers but also ignited their enthusiasm for learning agricultural science. Fei Kunxue, Deputy Secretary of the Tashkurgan Township Party Committee, said that, “Ansteel’s efforts to improve the land and cultivate farmland have enhanced the industrial development capabilities. This year, with the new agricultural science demonstration base, we are growing featured economic crops like snow chrysanthemum and safflower. We are also organizing farmers and herders to observe and learn at each stage, from planting to fertilizing, irrigating, and harvesting. This will not only increase their income but also boost their passion for agriculture, improving their sense of fulfillment and happiness.”

Yak Industry: Nurturing Internal Momentum
With deep corporate empathy and strategic foresight, Ansteel has not only brought infrastructure advancements to Tashkurgan but has also left an indelible mark on the path of industrial development. Recognizing that the key to industrial development lies in adapting to local conditions, Ansteel’s dedicated team has made targeted efforts in developing distinct local industries. Among these, the Pamir Highlands yak industry has stood out as a flagship project, achieving remarkable results.
As the “black gold” of highlands, yak meat, known for its rich favor and high nutritional value, represents a unique resource in Tashkurgan. Starting at the source, Ansteel invested RMB 7.5 million in restoring 3,580 mu of forage fields in Tatikuli, so as to provide a fertile grazing ground for yaks. Following this, two modern yak meat processing plants were built, complemented by a product marketing center. This entire industry chain, from pasture to plate, maximizes farmer earnings while strengthening the long-term viability of the local economy, laying a strong foundation for rural vitalization.
With stable new homes, farmers and herders are now more focused on yak farming. Leveraging the distinct advantage of “Pamir Yak” brand, Ansteel partnered with local government and farmers to jointly explore a complete industry chain development model covering yak farming, processing, and sales. The newly-built modern yak meat processing plants introduced Ansteel’s exemplary management practices, enhancing the assisted enterprises’ safety and operational standards. Advanced production lines transform quality yak meat into a wide range of deep-processing products. Yak meat products have expanded to jerky, shredded, stir-fried, and marinated varieties. In 2024, a new yak meat sauce production line was added, bringing the total to 28 product varieties and creating 12 new jobs. Ansteel has also established specialty stores at Anshan, Tashkurgan Airport, and other locations, and filmed promotional videos to elevate the brand value of Tashkurgan and the Pamir Highlands.

Production is only one part; sales channels are also essential. Ansteel innovatively integrated its assistance story and Tajik ethnic culture with yak products promotion. Through special consumption-driven assistance campaigns, online sales platforms, and state-owned enterprise alliances, it opened up markets outside the Xinjiang region, continuously enhancing product visibility. Leveraging the new internet-based marketing model, Ansteel trained six Tajik girls at the sales center of the Tashkurgan yak meat processing plant to promote products via live streaming on TikTok. At its peak, their live broadcasts attracted over 10,000 viewers, selling Tashkurgan specialties such as yak jerky to consumers nationwide, with an average daily sales revenue of over RMB 20,000.

To ensure broader benefits for farmers and herders, Ansteel implemented an “Enterprise + Cooperative + Farmer” operational model, signing breeding and purchase agreements with local yak cooperatives to guarantee a stable supply and high-quality meat. At the same time, the system encourages solidarity with farmers, stipulating that the yak processing company buy yak meat at prices higher than the market rate, providing tangible benefits to the community.
This win-win model has significantly increased enthusiasm and commitment among farmers and herders. They now not only care for their yak herds with greater dedication but also actively participate in cooperative activities, working together to advance the yak industry’s growth.
To further improve lives in the Tajik Abati Township, Ansteel invested over RMB 18 million in beef cattle farming and breeding initiatives. In 2022, five cattle barns and support facilities were built, and 500 Simmental beef cattle were purchased, operated by Wanbang Livestock, a local cooperative partner under township government management. Each year, an 8% Profit-sharing arrangement based on the cattle value contributes to the town’s collective economy, ensuring farmers and herders see ongoing income growth.
“This is my first time receiving such a substantial dividend. I’m incredibly grateful to Ansteel
for their ongoing support. With an industry and dividends, life is more promising.”
In March 2023, at the Tashkurgan Abati Township cattle farm’s first dividend-sharing event, Tashkurgan resident Matalimubayi Nawmuruzbayi’s face beamed with joy at the RMB 4,000 dividend he received. In this town, where annual per capita income once fell below RMB 20,000, this dividend-sharing ceremony with over RMB one million was a much-anticipated highlight for local residents.
Today, Pamir yak farming has become a “magic recipe for wealth” among the locals. Annual
production of processed yak products reaches 200 tons, with a value of RMB 48 million. Famers and herders of the entire county are benefiting from this. Over 70 Tajik farmers and herders have landed stable jobs, their per capita disposable income has risen significantly, and the local living and production conditions have been greatly improved.

Ansteel has also actively supported other industries in Tashkurgan. Projects such as modern egg-laying hen farms, the remote education “Bei Lei Building”, and the precise “Farmer + E-commerce + Orders” model, exemplify Ansteel’s commitment to assisting industrial development in Tashkurgan. These successful practices have not only brought substantial economic benefits to Tashkurgan but have also opened up more employment opportunities and development space for local residents.

Conclusion
With Ansteel’s deep bond and selfless support, Tashkurgan is gradually building a diversified and sustainable industry development system. The rise of the Pamir yak industry has infused the county’s rural vitalization with strong momentum. In Tashkurgan today, clean and bright schools resonate with the reading sound of students, modern poultry farms operate smoothly; cattle and sheep thrive in their pens; local Tajik farmers prepare to plant snow chrysanthemum. All of those illustrates a vibrant scene of rural vitalization in today’s Tashkurgan County, further boosting the spirit of ethnic unity and integration.
Tashkurgan is now developing at an unprecedented pace. In 2023, the county’s GDP reached over RMB 2.123 billion, marking a 7.4% year-on-year increase, with all economic indicators showing robust growth. This former impoverished county is transforming into a model of economic development, social stability, and ethnic unity.
Here, people move toward a brighter future with renewed enthusiasm and steadfast confidence. The story of Ansteel and Tashkurgan will forever be etched in the heart of this land filled with hope.