法治如何应答新需求？新疆自贸区法庭的挑战与破题

Core Viewpoint - Xinjiang is positioned as a crucial hub along the Silk Road, with the establishment of the China (Xinjiang) Free Trade Zone aimed at promoting economic development through institutional innovation [1][2]. Group 1: Challenges - The Xinjiang Free Trade Zone includes Urumqi, Kashgar, and Horgos, with specialized courts being established to support legal services starting November 2023 [3]. - The Kashgar Free Trade Zone has seen an influx of businesses due to favorable policies, leading to a rise in commercial disputes, particularly in contract-related cases [4]. - The Kashgar court has implemented measures to address the financial strain on businesses, such as delaying enforcement actions for 175 companies, involving over 3.83 billion yuan [5]. Group 2: Legal Awareness and Support - Many enterprises lack legal awareness, leading to disputes over contract execution and rights protection [5][6]. - The Kashgar court is focusing on preventive measures by enhancing legal literacy among businesses through public hearings and targeted legal education initiatives [6][7]. Group 3: Cross-Border Trade and Legal Framework - Urumqi's local enterprises are increasingly looking to expand into international markets, facing challenges in contract protection and legal risk management [8]. - The number of foreign-related cases in Yili has surged by approximately 434% this year, highlighting the growing complexity of cross-border trade [9]. - Legal support is essential at every stage of cross-border transactions, from contract signing to dispute resolution [10]. Group 4: International Cooperation and Digitalization - Xinjiang's courts are developing a commercial law database to assist businesses in understanding foreign legal requirements and trade practices [11]. - Digital litigation services have been established to streamline processes and reduce the time required for legal proceedings [11][12]. - The establishment of the Kashgar branch of the Shenzhen International Arbitration Court aims to enhance cross-border dispute resolution capabilities [13][14].