From Xinjiang to Ningxia: Bakery thrives

Thirteen years ago, Abdureim Aisha left his hometown in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region to work in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region.

He tried to start his own business but faced language and financial difficulties. He could only peddle homemade naan bread — Xinjiang flatbread — in a street market.

"It was not as easy as what I thought," he recalled.

But then Aisha had a life-changing experience. In 2010, the street market became part of a government-supported renewal project in the city's Yinpiyuan community.

Wu Xinyan, head of the community's CPC committee, got to know his situation and offered him a helping hand. With her help, Aisha applied for certificates, found an inexpensive house and opened a small bakery to sell his bread.

His bakery became a favorite in the neighborhood, eventually selling more than 600 flatbreads every day.

Full of confidence in life, Aisha brought his older brother to Yinchuan and opened two more shops. Now they sell more than 1,000 a day.

Aisha said that Wu and her colleagues often visit him and help solve problems.

"Everything is nice and warm. I'm very grateful to the community. When I have trouble, they always give me a hand," he said, "My naan bakery is the most telling witness of our friendship."