URUMQI, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The first batch of seafood imported directly from Pakistan has arrived in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The seafood included 1,150 kilograms of frozen fish and shrimp, according to Jian Sen, head of Shuhai International Trade Co., Ltd.

Most seafood and fruit from overseas arrive at Urumqi through ports in other provinces. This is the first time Urumqi airport has been allowed to handle fresh goods from Pakistan, said Jian.

The company plans to import another two tonnes of seafood in next few months.

"As Xinjiang's economy grows, demand for imported seafood and fruit is growing fast," he said.

Urumqi airport has 41 international routes to 21 countries, mainly in central, west Asia and Russia.

Xinjiang is a key area for opening up to the west and a "core area" on the Silk Road Economic Belt.

The region's foreign trade grew by 17 percent last year. Imports to Xinjiang surpassed 2.9 billion U.S. dollars in 2017, up more than 42 percent.